The Simply Retirement Podcast

That annual Social Security increase announcement can be confusing.  Is it a bonus? Will it cover your rising costs? More importantly, how does it really affect your decisions about when to retire and when to claim your benefits? In this episode, I unpack the new 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026. We explore how Social Security benefits grow differently before and after age 62, why the infla...

Divorce doesn’t have to be devastating.  It can be empowering when approached with clarity and the right support. In this episode, I sit down with Karen Covy, divorce coach, attorney, and mediator, to explore how women can take control of the divorce process. We talk about choosing the right process for your situation, understanding your finances, and why preparation and strategy make all the diff...

Understanding Social Security can feel complicated, especially when life events like divorce or widowhood come into play.  In this episode, I join Karen Covy on her podcast, Off The Fence, to walk through the rules that often matter most for women. We discuss how full retirement age works, how spousal, ex-spousal, and survivor benefits are determined, and what to know about the 10-year marriage ru...

Many people nearing retirement are unsure how recent rule changes might affect what they can receive. What happens when long-standing limits disappear, and families finally gain access to benefits they were denied for years? In this special replay, we revisit one of our most crucial and widely discussed episodes of the year: the one focusing on the Social Security Fairness Act. I walk through the...

Retirement planning doesn’t end once you stop working; it evolves.  In this episode, I wrap up my seven essential strategies for successful investing in retirement, focusing on two of the most pivotal: managing your tax burden and deciding whether to work with an advisor.  I share how to plan ahead for taxes, the importance of timing withdrawals, and why every woman deserves a seat at the financia...

Investing in retirement requires a completely different mindset, one focused on income, not just preservation. In this episode, I continue our Seven Strategies for Successful Investing in Retirement series by explaining Strategy #4: Understanding the Role of Stocks in Retirement, and Strategy #5: The Value of Dividend Growth Investing.  Together, these two approaches show how stocks can generate s...

What if the way you’ve been told to protect your money in retirement is actually putting your future at risk? In this episode, I continue our series on the seven essential strategies for successful investing in retirement. We tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of retirement planning, defining the real purpose of your portfolio and reframing how you think about risk. This conversation is...

Retirement is shifting in ways that require new thinking, new planning, and new strategies. In this episode, I launch a new series on the seven essential strategies for successful investing in retirement. I explain how today’s retirement looks different than past generations, why the Great Wealth Transfer is so impactful for women, and why starting with a clear financial plan is more important tha...

Retirement isn’t just about slowing down. It’s about stepping into a chapter that feels alive with meaning and joy. In this episode, I speak with Joy Levin, President of Gen X Exec Encore and Certified Professional Retirement Coach, about how Gen X women can reimagine retirement as an encore to life. Together, we explore how to shift from career identity to personal fulfillment, build meaningful r...

The holiday season often inspires generosity, but how you give can make a big difference for both your loved ones and your finances. In this episode, I explore seven actionable gifting strategies you can use before the year ends to support your children, grandchildren, and favorite charities while also being mindful of tax planning opportunities. I walk through practical examples to help you give...

Our financial legacy is important, but our stories and memories are priceless.  This time, we go beyond numbers to focus on preserving the voices, photos, and experiences that define a family’s history. In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Martin, founder of The Zoe Martin, to talk about the importance of capturing family stories and portraits before it’s too late. She shares her deeply personal j...

What if your most painful experiences could become the foundation for new strength and hope? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brooke Jones, Founder of Stronger Women, to talk about her journey of survival, recovery, and empowerment. She shares her story of leaving abuse, the challenges women face when trying to rebuild their lives, and the importance of financial independence. Together, we unc...

The final months of the year are the perfect time to review your finances and take action before December 31st.  New tax laws bring both opportunities and risks, making this year’s planning even more important. In this episode, I walk through my year-end tax planning checklist to help you understand the key areas that can impact your retirement, your taxes, and your long-term goals. I explain how...

Deciding when to start Social Security is more than a math equation. It’s about balancing life expectancy, risk tolerance, and long-term income needs. In this episode, I explore the trade-offs of claiming early versus delaying for larger benefits. I explain how investing early benefits might change the picture, why survivor benefits matter, and how taxes and policy changes could influence your str...

Roth IRAs can feel confusing—but when you understand how they work, they can become one of the most powerful tools in your retirement plan. In this episode, you’ll discover how Roth IRAs may give you more control over your taxes in retirement, create flexibility for future withdrawals, and help protect your income for the long run. We’ll cover the basics—what Roth IRAs are (and aren’t), how the ru...

Exiting a business is more than just a financial transaction. It’s a life transition that can affect family, legacy, and the future you envision. In this episode, I sit down with Renita Wolf, MBA, founder and CEO of Poe Wolf Partners, to discuss how business owners can thoughtfully plan for a smooth and meaningful exit. We explore the importance of preparation, both financial and emotional, and wh...

Retirement rarely unfolds exactly as planned, especially when unexpected life changes occur. In this episode, I share a real listener’s story involving Social Security, divorce, and the possibility of going back to work. I walk through step-by-step strategies to help women understand their Social Security options and prepare for future benefits. Key points: How to determine whether Social Security...

Too often, retirement planning focuses only on documents, but what happens when you don’t have the right people to rely on? In this episode, I sit down with elder law attorney and founder of Solo Allies, Kathy McNair, to talk about the unique needs of solo seniors and why legal paperwork alone isn’t enough. We explore how to choose the right people for critical roles, when to consider professional...

The first year after losing a spouse brings overwhelming emotions alongside important decisions. Knowing what needs immediate attention versus what can wait can make the difference between added stress and thoughtful progress. In Part 3 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share how to approach both urgent and long-term planning after the loss of a spouse. I explain which financial and life...

In Part 2 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share compassionate, practical advice for the critical first weeks after losing a spouse. I walk through the legal, financial, and everyday matters that can feel overwhelming, offering clear action steps to bring order during a difficult time. From meeting with an estate attorney and understanding probate versus living trusts to retitling prope...

Grieving the loss of a spouse is devastating. During that fog, there’s still paperwork, decisions, and urgent tasks demanding attention. In this episode, we open up a three-part series called “Life After Loss.”  I start by focusing on the first few days after losing a spouse, sharing essential steps to help with emotional healing and practical planning. Key takeaways: How to prioritize both emotio...

Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, but it can also trigger financial challenges that many women aren’t prepared for.  The Widow’s Penalty is real, and it can have long-term consequences on income, taxes, and retirement. In this episode, I walk through the Widow’s Penalty, what it is, why it disproportionately affects women, and what proactive steps can be taken to protect your financial future. We...

Tax law changes might not sound exciting, but these updates could have a powerful impact on your retirement plans. In this episode, I unpack the top provisions from the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how they may affect retirees, especially women planning for long-term income. I break down tax deductions, clarify what’s changing (and what’s not), and offer timely planning strategies you can ap...

Changing careers or returning to the workforce after a long break can feel overwhelming. But what if the process could feel empowering instead? In this episode, I sit down with Kristi Cline, Founder & CEO of We Write It Now Resumes & Career Resources, to discuss how women approaching or in retirement can pivot their careers with confidence and purpose. Kristi shares strategies for crafting...

Divorce is difficult enough without letting confusion over Social Security take a toll on your future income. In this episode, I explain the essential Social Security strategies every divorced woman should know, from the ten-year rule to remarriage traps. I highlight true stories of women who faced preventable financial setbacks and how proper planning could have saved them thousands.  This episod...