MONEY WITHOUT MATH

We spend so much time thinking about how to live longer, but not nearly enough time thinking about how to live better. In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Kerry Burnight, known as America’s Gerontologist and author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half, to explore what truly drives quality of life as we age. They go through the habits, mindsets, and small daily ch...

When a loved one suddenly needs care, most people expect to handle the emotional and medical side, but few are ready for the financial maze that comes with it. In this episode, Karen sits down with journalist Beth Pinsker, CFP®, author of My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving, to talk about what really happens when you step into someone else’s financial life. They cover power of attor...

We spend decades preparing financially for retirement, but far less time preparing emotionally. Retirement is often painted as the finish line, yet for many, it’s just the start of a very human transition filled with uncertainty and identity shifts in the search for a new purpose. In this episode, financial planner and retirement coach Dan Haylett, host of Humans vs. Retirement and author of The R...

What does it take to build both a thriving career and a lasting relationship? Dr. Julie Gurner has spent years working behind the scenes with executives, athletes, and entrepreneurs, and she’s seen the patterns that make or break couples under pressure. Spoiler: it’s not the flashy headlines or the dramatic stories we see in the news. It’s the quiet, intentional habits that keep partners aligned....

Life doesn’t always follow the plan we set for it. Bernadette Smith knows this well. From her early days as an “activist wedding planner” helping same-sex couples celebrate love, to her work today leading Equality Institute, she’s built a career on courage, authenticity, and connection. Along the way, she’s navigated personal and professional pivots that reshaped not only her business, but the way...

Today we're throwing it back to an incredible episode with Amani Zaveri, which you won't want to miss!  Quitting has such a negative connotation today. But quitting isn’t always a terrible thing. In fact, it can be a powerful and positive skill. In this episode, Karen Coyne and Amani Zaveri examine the misunderstood art of quitting. For starters, the Latin root word for quitting, quietus...

Some advice sounds harmless, but when it’s pulled out of context, it can quietly steer you in the wrong direction. Today we’re joined by Melissa Joy, founder of Pearl Planning, for a conversation about the kind of money “rules” that sound wise on the surface but don’t always fit your life. We explore the trouble with blanket statements like “you should never buy a new car” or “always max out retir...

Retirement can be one of life’s most rewarding chapters when it’s shaped around purpose, connection, and the freedom to design your days. In this conversation, we sit with Christine Benz, Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning, to explore the choices that make those years meaningful. We discuss the lessons and limitations of the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Re...

What does it mean to live a remarkable life—solo? Dr. Peter McGraw has spent the last five years exploring that question as a behavioral economist, author, and lifelong bachelor. In this conversation, we sit down with him to talk about how the world—and the financial industry—still defaults to couples, even as the number of single adults continues to rise. There’s also a bigger conversation about...

For many people, having a startup in Silicon Valley is the ultimate dream, and Tissa Richards reached it with a software company that she later decided to shut down. It was not an easy decision to make, but it helped her build resilience and reinvent herself. Now, this resilient founder has become a leadership advisor and author who guides executives through failure and helps them see it as an opp...

What happens when successful couples decide one person should hit pause on their career to shake things up at home and work? That’s the conversation we are having today in this episode of Money Without Math. Our guests? Kim Nakamaru and David Pidancet, two professionals in the aerospace industry who decided to switch traditional roles and become a family with a working mom and a full-time dad. In...

The traditional career timeline of working full-time for decades and then withdrawing abruptly is not only outdated, it’s loaded with challenges from decreased income to loss of identity and purpose.  Enter the portfolio career. Unlike the typical career path comprised of one employer and one income stream, a portfolio career might include multiple roles, organizations, and/or income streams. Afte...

What if AI could be your best work ally instead of a job-stealer?  Let's dive into the exciting world of AI, not as a threat, but as a powerful tool for personal and career growth. Karen Coyne hosts Susan Youngblood, an AI and Human Capital advisor, as they unravel how AI reshapes our lives, especially in our workspaces. Explore how AI integrates seamlessly into your daily routines, from refi...

Can you strengthen your relationship by applying the same principles you might use in business? Karen Coyne invites you to explore this concept with guests Rebecca Lockwood and Tom Bower, co-authors of  "The Cohesive Couple" . They offer practical insights on how couples can align visions and improve communications by using systems similar to those used to run successful businesses. Rebe...

Karen Coyne is joined by Sonya Hopson, the dynamic CEO and founder of HIRE Strategies, a talent placement agency with a focus on commercial construction. Sonya shares her personal journey from "accidental entrepreneur" to making her mark in commercial construction as a single mom and a woman of color.  She also opens up about embracing imperfections and becoming the woman known for her p...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make life-saving decisions under pressure, like a heart surgeon? How about applying this mindset to your personal finances? Karen Coyne sits down with Dr. Eric Weiss, one of the country's leading cardiac surgeons and Director of Aortic Surgery at Aurora St. Luke's Hospital. They explore the fascinating world of “clamp time”—a powerful principle cen...

What happens when a single moment redefines your entire existence? Karen Coyne dives into a conversation with Kathy Dempsey, a remarkable change management speaker and author, who shares her incredible journey from an HIV diagnosis to a renewed life. This is about as real as it gets. Kathy opens up about how facing a presumed death sentence at 25 shaped her perspective on living fully in the prese...

What if money wasn’t just about adding and subtracting, but truly about aligning with your purpose and joy?  Dive into this episode as Karen Coyne chats with Michelle Boulé, a life coach, dancer, and healer who connects money, movement, and mindset. Together they explore how our physical movements and spiritual awareness shape our financial journeys. From Michelle’s inspiring journey from a profes...

What does your wardrobe reveal about you? Have you considered how it can subtly influence your professional success and sense of worth? Karen Coyne chats with Morgan Wider, a dynamic image consultant and stylist, to unravel the deeper connection between our style choices and our sense of self-worth. Discover how clothing can be empowering beyond mere appearances and learn to embrace your authentic...

Did you know that as an unmarried couple, you could be exposed to over 1,000 potential financial vulnerabilities that married couples are protected from? Unmarried couples are navigating a complex web of financial challenges, often without the protections that marriage offers—this episode sheds light on what you need to know. Uncover the vital financial considerations and protections for unmarried...

Who would care for your pet if you were unable to? Pet planning is not just for the rich and famous; it’s an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership. Karen Coyne dives into the often overlooked aspect of pet planning with guests Abby Schneiderman, Adam Seifer, and Gene Newman, the minds behind the digital tool EverPlans.  Learn about the critical information you need on hand for emergencies,...

What does legacy mean?  The idea of leaving a worthy legacy can feel daunting. What will I leave behind? How will I be remembered?  In this episode, Karen Coyne chats with Dr. Kimberly Harms, a grief counselor, death doula and author who shares her incredible story of overcoming personal hardships, the power of personal connections, and how to leave a legacy that’s more than material.  If legacies...

If you feel overwhelmed by clutter, imagine how your children and loved ones will feel when they are tasked with going through all of your stuff one day. Or maybe you’ve already been through this process after losing someone and know how difficult it can be. Perhaps the experience changed your perspective on how many things we needlessly hold onto.  Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up. It can...

If you are single or in a long-term relationship with no plans to get married, you might think that you don’t need an estate plan. After all, estate planning conversations often revolve around the married couple with 2.5 kids. But the surprising reality is that it’s even more critical for unmarried people to prioritize this planning.  Whether you are partnered but not legally married, part of the...

Do you desire a wedding that’s distinctly personal, unique, and unforgettable, but won’t break the bank? Discover the beauty of micro-weddings. As more couples seek alternatives to large, traditional events, micro-weddings offer an intimate and often affordable way to celebrate without losing the magic. With fewer than 50 guests, these small gatherings free up time, money, and energy so you can pr...