Money Unscripted

Estate planning is a process that’s full of emotions. And full of questions. Where do you start? Who should be part of the conversation? And what are the key documents you need? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Pamela Pirone-Benson break down everything from writing a will and setting up a trust to choosing your power of attorney and navigating estate taxes. W...

Retiring early isn’t just about leaving the workforce—it’s about knowing whether your lifestyle and finances are ready to support the years ahead. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly talks with Donna and Stan about how they retired early–on their terms. Fidelity VP and Regional Planning Leader Andy Alvarez joins the conversation to break down the key questions anyone should con...

Market volatility can be stressful—especially when you’re close to or already in retirement. On this episode of Money Unscripted , host Ally Donnelly talks to new retiree Ted Mitchell about how he’s navigating life after work as the markets go up and down. Fidelity VP and Branch Leader Andy Alvarez joins to share what you can do now to help protect yourself and your finances from the unknown. See...

Understanding the difference between a will and a trust is a key step in building an estate plan that helps protect your assets and your loved ones. On this episode of Fidelity’s personal finance podcast Money Unscripted , host Ally Donnelly sits down with Fidelity Vice President of Advanced Planning Pamela Pirone-Benson to explain how wills and trusts work, who may need them, when you may need to...

Being single can bring flexibility, freedom, and independence. It also means every financial decision is on your shoulders. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly talks to Rachel, a writer who is happily single, but realized she  needed to take charge of her financial plan–for life on a single income. Fidelity CFP Alex Roca joins the conversation to  break down the essentials of s...

From fake emails and texts to suspicious voicemails and AI-generated videos—cyber scams are everywhere. And scammers are more sophisticated and persistent than ever. So how can you protect your account and personal information from phishing and fraud? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Head of Cyber Defense Sean Downey break down how modern scams work, ways to s...

Caregiving for an aging parent can be both beautiful and overwhelming. It’s why Beth Pinsker wrote My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. It’s the book she wishes she’d had when her mom’s health took a turn. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly brings Beth together with Fidelity Senior Leader Sangeeta Moorjani to talk through the emotional and financial sides of car...

This year, you can save more in your 401(k) than ever before. Watch this episode of the Money Unscripted podcast as host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity Vice President Kirsten Hunter Peterson break down 2026 contribution limits and catch-up contribution limits to your retirement savings plan. They also look at how to factor in your company match, retirement savings goals, and strategies to help you sup...

The key ingredient for any financial plan? Your budget. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly talks with chef, influencer, and small business owner Jenn Lueke about how she helps her followers stretch their dollar in the kitchen and beyond. Ready to get your own plan cooking? Fidelity Vice President, Financial Consultant Gina Gillespie joins to share Fidelity’s new 60/30/10 plus...

2026 is a big year for IRAs. New rules for traditional and Roth IRAs could mean more tax-free savings in your  retirement accounts. Contribution limits are up, income limits are higher, and for the first time ever, catch-up  contributions are increasing for people 50 and over. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly  and Fidelity’s Vice President of Retirement Offerings Rita Assaf...

Roth conversions. Backdoor Roths. Mega backdoor Roths. You hear about these strategies all the time, but how do they work? And what’s the difference between them? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity Market Leader Leanna Devinney look at how taxes, timing, and your retirement plans can help you decide if one of these money moves is right for you. Watch now. Roth IRA...

What do you need to know about tax planning in 2026? On this episode of Money Unscripted, learn about the new SALT cap increase, why you might want to consider itemizing over taking the standard deduction, a boosted child tax credit, and other opportunities to save on your taxes. Join host Ally Donnelly and Ajay Sarkaria, Fidelity Regional Vice President of Private Wealth Management, as they walk...

How and where do you want to live in retirement? What if you have a major health incident? And who will help you if you can’t manage your own finances as you age? These are hard questions, but the answers can impact generations of your family. That’s why Dr. Tim Habbershon, head of Fidelity’s Center for Family Engagement, says we need to stop avoiding the conversations and start talking about gene...

Someone turning 65 today has an almost 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services, according to government data. Whether it's because of an injury, an illness, or simply growing older, that care is expensive. Long-term care insurance is a smart strategy to help protect your finances and your family. So, what is long-term care insurance? How much does it cost? And what does it cover...

The markets go up and down. That’s out of your control. But what can you control in times of uncertainty? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Certified Financial Planner Ryan Viktorin help you take a big - picture look at your finances during market volatility. Are you still on track to meet your goals like saving for retirement? Does your financial plan still make sense? S...

Maybe you want to buy a home. Or take a dream vacation. But what is your cash doing to help you reach those goals? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Leanna Devinney look at four short-term options: high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, CDs, and treasury bills. Learn how to define your goals, weigh risk and reward, and use these tools to help you get...

If you’re close to turning 65, Medicare is likely on the horizon. The enrollment process can feel overwhelming but making sure you have the right health care coverage is so important. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Ryann Little help you prepare for this critical piece of retirement planning. Learn the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B, see how to...

Baby boomers are set to pass on trillions of dollars to the next generations in the coming years. Much of it is expected to go to women. On this episode of Money Unscripted, Ally sits down with Alex Roca, the new host of Fidelity’s Women Talk Money show to answer women’s two biggest questions: Is it too late to get started and where should I put my next dollar? Hint: I t’s never too late. From sta...

Student loans. Car loans. Mortgages. Credit cards. There are a lot of ways debt can pile up. Fast. On this episode of Money Unscripted, we talk with Sheyna, who shares how she got control of her finances and paid off $45,000 of debt. Host Ally Donnelly also sits down with Fidelity Financial Consultant Mark Greenfield to learn strategies we can all use to help pay down debt, curb spending, and set...

Does your company offer an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)? If so, it could be a way to save for a new house, your child’s education, or build your retirement nest egg—all while investing in your company. Money Unscripted host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity pro Emily Cervino walk through the potential advantages, crunch the numbers, and break down the tax implications behind this often-overlooked...

So, you’re investing in your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. Awesome. But maybe you're ready for more. That's how Irene Li, owner of Mei Mei Dumplings, was feeling. She has a brokerage account but wants to learn more so she can invest with confidence. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Leanna Devi n ney walk us through the flexibility and potential benefits...

How can you save and invest to live the life you want now and in the future? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Gina Gillespie look at ways to leverage your investments while maximizing your saving. From setting clear goals and spending intentionally to leaning into tax-advantaged accounts and automating your savings, they cover key steps to help you become a su...

You earn money. But how can you build wealth? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity Financial Consultant Dani Braun,  talk through ways to create your own financial blueprint. From defining your goals and establishing emergency savings to building a portfolio and leveraging tax-smart investing strategies, see how you can draft a solid plan. 4 keys to an effective, dy...

College: It’s the number one savings priority for parents, according to the Fidelity 2024 College Savings Indicator Study. Yet, families are only on track to cover 30% of the expected costs.   It’s why, on this episode of the Money Unscripted podcast, we’re taking a deep dive into 529 plans. How do these flexible, tax-advantaged accounts work? Who can contribute? What kind of expenses do they cove...

Retirement looks different for everyone. Maybe you want to grab your passport and see everything. Maybe you want to grab a beach chair and do nothing. Whatever your goals, there are key questions to ask yourself before you take the leap. Who are you planning for? What do you want your retirement to look like? And are you on track to meet your goals? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally D...