Care Conversations

In this heartfelt episode, host Amanda Stilwell is joined by longtime clients Judy Morast-Morin and David Morin as they open up about their personal journey into retirement—what Amanda lovingly calls “life after work.” Amanda guides Judy and David through an honest discussion about the emotions and challenges that come with leaving the workforce, reevaluating financial security, and redefining wha...

In this episode, host Amanda Stilwell sits down with Dora Villegas, who shares her unique journey into retirement after a lifetime of hard work, cross-country moves, and big life changes—including moving from Colombia to the US and navigating life after divorce. Dora opens up about the emotions and uncertainties she faced as she transitioned from her career in healthcare to “life after work,” incl...

In this episode, host Amanda Stilwell sits down with Beverly and Darrell Kuch, a couple who recently transitioned into retirement a little earlier than most. Together, they shed light on the unexpected emotions and challenges that come with moving from a lifetime of saving to finally spending what you’ve worked so hard for. Darrell, a self-proclaimed spreadsheet enthusiast, and Beverly, more cauti...

In this episode, Amanda Stilwell sits down with Jack Withey, a recent retiree, to discuss the emotional and practical journey from a long career into life after work. Jack shares his experience of working for 45 years, managing his own investments, and the challenges he faced when transitioning from accumulation to distribution in retirement.  Together, they dive into topics like Medicare, Social...

In this heartwarming episode, host Amanda Stilwell sits down with Valerie and Phil Adams to explore their unique journey into retirement. From initial fears about finances and navigating the complexities of health insurance to the relief and peace of mind that comes with having a supportive advisor, the Adamses share candidly about their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as they enter this new...

Welcome back to Care Conversations with Clarity Financial Solutions! In this Season 2 episode, host Amanda Stilwell sits down with Brenda Waters, a longtime client and friend, to discuss the real-life emotions and decisions that come with navigating retirement. From the initial fears of running out of money and choosing the right Medicare plan, to the process of building trust with a financial adv...

Welcome to Season 2 of Care Conversations with Clarity Financial Solutions! In this intro episode, host Amanda Stilwell sets the stage for a season dedicated to making retirement less confusing and more empowering. Amanda shares her personal reflections on family, gratitude, and the emotions many face as they step into retirement. She explores common concerns around Medicare, Social Security, taxe...

This episode marks the conclusion of our insightful first season, where we've guided you from confusion to clarity on crucial retirement topics. Throughout this season, we've built a strong foundation by exploring Medicare, long-term care planning, Social Security maximization, and tax strategies for retirement. These elements come together to form the unique tapestry of your retirement...

In this episode, we continue our exploration into the intricacies of retirement, with a special focus on the topic that often leaves many retirees scratching their heads: taxes in retirement.  We're diving into the common misconceptions about tax brackets after retirement, the impact of various policy changes, and the importance of strategic planning to manage your tax obligations effectively...

In this episode, Amanda sheds light on the multifaceted phases of retirement: from the lively go-go years to the more tranquil no-go years. The focus is sharpened onto planning for unforeseen challenges such as inflation and healthcare costs, while dissecting the tax implications of retirement income sources including Social Security, IRAs, and annuities.  We'll unravel common misconceptions...

In the episode, our host Amanda Stilwell is joined by expert Hamilton Morales from the Financial Independence Group. As a specialist in Social Security benefits, Hamilton provides invaluable insights to assist financial advisors and individuals nationwide in navigating the intricate landscape of Social Security. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Social Security decisions and explo...

Today, we're diving deep into the basics of Social Security—a cornerstone of retirement income—and addressing key questions about its future, how benefits are calculated, and the strategic timing for applying. As many rely heavily on Social Security, understanding how benefits work is crucial. We'll break down the complex calculations, including average indexed monthly earnings and prima...

In today's discussion, host Amanda Stilwell is joined by Alecia Barnette, a distinguished expert with 27 years of experience in the long-term care sector. Together, they aim to demystify the intricacies surrounding long-term care options and stress the importance of proactive planning. This episode will guide you through the benefits of asset-based solutions in comparison to traditional polic...

  In this episode, Amanda unpacks the essentials of what long term care really means, the types of assistance it entails, and why it's a crucial consideration for families navigating retirement planning. With startling statistics revealing that 70% of Americans over 65 will need long term care, yet only a fraction believe they will require it, Amanda highlights the gap between expectation and...

In this episode of Care Conversations, join Amanda Stilwell and guest Shantel Haines as they tackle the vital topic of long-term care, dispelling common misconceptions and revealing why it's crucial to have a plan in place. With an engaging discussion that balances both the emotional and financial considerations, Amanda and Shantel decipher what long-term care truly entails and explore the va...

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Care Conversations" with your host, Amanda Stilwell. Today, we're diving deep into the intricacies of Medicare, a crucial topic for anyone planning their retirement effectively. Joined by our guest, Shantel Haines, we'll explore the various components of Medicare, including Parts A, B, C, and D, and clarify common misconceptions that ca...

Welcome back to Care Conversations with Clarity Financial Solutions. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the complex world of Medicare with our special guest, Shantel Haines. She's not only a retirement professional at Clarity Financial Solutions but also a passionate advocate for Medicare education. With her personal experiences and professional insights, Shantel sheds light...

Welcome back to Care Conversations with Clarity Financial Solutions! I'm your host, Amanda Stilwell, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the essentials of Medicare. As our health needs evolve, understanding Medicare becomes crucial for protecting our retirement assets.  We’ll demystify the foundational building blocks of Medicare, including the ins and outs of Parts A and...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Care Conversations , a show brought to you by Clarity Financial Solutions. I'm your host, Amanda Stilwell, founder and financial adviser. In this first season, we'll be diving into the complexities of retirement, bringing education and emotion together to help you navigate this crucial phase of life with confidence. In today's episode, I'll s...