Savvy Women Talk Money

As the year comes to a close, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and reset, without the pressure of resolutions. Instead, it's about recalibrating confidence around money and stepping into the next chapter with clarity and intention. In this conversation, Catherine and Rachel explore why so many accomplished, successful women still second-guess their financial decisions and how confidence...

As the year winds down, it's the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and ask a bigger question: Is your money actually supporting the life you want to live? In this Savvy Series episode, Catherine and Rachel dive into Life by Design . A thoughtful conversation about aligning wealth with what truly matters in the year ahead. From family and relationships to travel, career fulfillment, philanthropy, a...

What if the real problem isn't that your goals are  too big , but that they're nowhere near big enough ? In this energizing episode of the Savvy Series, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich flip traditional goal-setting on its head and make a compelling case for dreaming at the scale of your wealth. From childhood conditioning to money guilt to the pressure to appear "practical," many affluent wo...

Ever notice how the holidays can feel like a whirlwind of traditions, to-do lists, and spending triggers you didn't see coming? From nostalgic memories to modern-day gift exchanges, this episode unpacks the emotional (and financial) layers that show up the moment the lights go up and the calendars fill. Catherine and Rachel share heartfelt stories from childhood school "gift shops" to multigenerat...

The holidays are here, the calendar is shrinking, and your portfolio might need a little tender loving care before the clock strikes midnight. In this episode, Catherine and Rachel break down the smartest year-end moves to tighten up your finances now and set yourself up for a smoother, more strategic 2026. From rebalancing after a volatile (and surprisingly strong) market year to using tax-loss h...

The holidays are here and so is the frenzy of shopping, gatherings, and gift-giving. But what if this season could feel less frantic and more fulfilling? In this heartwarming and practical episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich unpack how to celebrate intentionally, without overspending or overstretching yourself. From setting a "joy budget" to creating experiences that matter more than th...

The year's almost over, but your financial goals still have time to shine! 🎉 In this episode of the Savvy Series , Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich dive into the ultimate fourth-quarter money checkup to help you wrap up 2025 with confidence and clarity. Think of it as your "financial wellness exam." From maximizing retirement contributions to smart tax-loss harvesting, they share timely stra...

Big changes are coming to estate planning, and Catherine and Rachel are breaking it all down in this lively, must-listen episode of The Savvy Series! With the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" shaking up exemption limits and gifting rules, now is the time to make sure your estate plan is airtight before 2026 arrives. The duo unpacks what the new $15 million lifetime exclusion really means, how annual g...

Ever feel like talking about money is harder than it should be? Whether it's with your spouse, your kids, or your financial advisor, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich are breaking down why these conversations can feel so uncomfortable, and how to make them a whole lot easier. From childhood money messages to budgeting with your partner and teaching your kids about saving and investing, this ep...

When life takes an unexpected turn, your financial world can feel upside down. In this empowering episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich dive into the realities of money after divorce , from protecting assets and rebuilding confidence to creating a new financial plan that reflects your life today. They share real client stories about women who faced tough choices—like keeping the family ho...

Widowhood is one of life's most difficult transitions,and for women, it often comes with not only emotional loss but also sudden financial responsibility. In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore how women can prepare for the realities of widowhood with confidence and clarity. From changes in income and taxes to decisions about pensions, Social Security, and even the family h...

Are you juggling aging parents, kids heading to college, and your own retirement goals—all at the same time? Welcome to the Sandwich Generation . In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich dive into the financial, emotional, and time pressures of caring for multiple generations while still trying to plan for the future. From rising college costs and cash flow crunches to helping parent...

When you think of self-care, images of facials, yoga, or a spa day probably come to mind. But what about financial self-care? In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich pull back the curtain on how money habits impact your health, confidence, and overall well-being—and why tending to your finances is one of the best acts of self-love. From simple daily check-ins (yes, even a quick bala...

Health care costs may not be the most glamorous part of retirement planning—but ignoring them could wreck your golden years. In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich dive into what every woman needs to know about preparing for one of the biggest retirement expenses: medical care. From Medicare basics (and the parts that don't get covered) to the hidden price tags of dental work, hear...

What's Your Retirement Vision? It's Time to Design a Life You Love  Retirement isn't just about money, it's about meaning. In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich go beyond the spreadsheets and dive into what really matters when planning your next chapter.  Spoiler: It's not just about when you can stop working, it's about what lights you up once you do.  You'll learn:  Why your cor...

🎙️ Back-to-School Isn't Just for Kids: Level Up Your Financial Education This Fall As the backpacks come out and school bells start ringing, it's not just your kids who should be hitting the books. In this episode, Catherine and Rachel share why fall is the perfect season to invest in your own financial education — no pencils required. They cover everything from maximizing your 529 plans under the...

Is That Dream Vacation Home a Financial Trap? In this savvy episode, Catherine and Rachel unpack the real costs—and hidden benefits—of owning a second home in retirement. From the emotional pull of lakefront views and mountain escapes to the unexpected tax headaches and maintenance bills, this conversation lays out what every retiree really needs to consider before taking the plunge. You'll learn:...

Summer's heating up… and so are your financial opportunities! 🌞 Before you get swept away by vacations and poolside plans, it's the perfect time to give your wealth and tax strategy a midyear tune-up.  In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich break down the smartest summer tax moves every affluent woman should be thinking about right now—so you can stay one step ahead all year long....

Are your travel dreams putting your retirement at risk? In this episode of Savvy Women Talk Money, Catherine and Rachel unpack the vacation-mode mindset that can lead to costly financial mistakes—especially for wealthy retirees. From luxury upgrades and spontaneous spending to hidden fees and unplanned gifts, they share how easily travel can derail even the most well-crafted retirement plan. You'l...

In this episode of Savvy Women Talk Money, we're breaking down the 6 key midyear checkpoints every woman should revisit regularly to stay on track for retirement. From leveraging Roth IRAs and understanding catch-up contribution limits, to reviewing your cash flow, spending habits, and investment portfolio, we cover the essentials that make a difference. We also dive into proactive tax planning, h...

In this episode of Savvy Women Talk Money, we explore the healthy money habits that go beyond budgeting. From understanding the true value of a dollar to knowing who to turn to for sound financial guidance, this conversation is all about developing the mindset and routines that support lasting financial success. Learn how to track your money with purpose, prioritize your time like the asset it is,...

In this episode of Savvy Women Talk Money, we're breaking down the ultimate financial checklist for your Spring cleaning! Every affluent household should consider these elements, from reviewing current expenses and adjusting tax withholdings to making sure your portfolio is still aligned with your goals—summer is the perfect time for a mid-year money checkup. We also cover how to make sure your be...

What if we told you that raising a child could cost you up to $500,000—and that number is still rising? For moms trying to juggle love, life, and legacy, that number hits hard. Whether you're working full-time, staying at home, or somewhere in between, the financial toll of motherhood is real—and often overlooked. In this heartfelt Mother's Day episode, I'm sharing both personal insights and profe...

In this episode of Savvy Women Talk Money, we're breaking down everything you need to know about Capital Gains Taxes — and why understanding them is so important for protecting your retirement savings. We dive into what's included in capital gains taxes, the key differences between short-term and long-term gains, and how preferential tax rates could work in your favor. Plus, we explain how smart u...

In this week's episode of the Savvy Women Talk Money podcast, we break down what every woman should know before, during, and after a wealth transfer—from how to minimize tax burdens to strategies that preserve assets and honor family intentions. You'll hear about common missteps to avoid, how to build your team of professional advisors, and what smart planning really looks like for those managing...