The Simply Retirement Podcast

Gray divorce can significantly impact your retirement plans and emotional well-being. How do you protect your financial future when love fades later in life? What pitfalls should you avoid to stay financially sound? In this episode, I sit down with Jill Lowe, Collaborative Divorce Attorney at J Lowe Law, LLC, to discuss the financial and emotional layers of gray divorce. Together, we explore why m...

What if money could buy happiness, but only if you knew how to spend it? In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, to uncover five practical, research-backed ways to feel more joy and purpose in your retirement spending. We talk about how aligning spending with values can remove guilt and increase fulfillment, especially for women navigating major...

What’s the right housing move in retirement?  Sell and rent, or stay put and downsize? In this episode, I unpack five key decisions that go far beyond dollars and cents, inspired by a real conversation with a client. Whether you’re widowed, single, or simply evaluating your next step, this breakdown helps you consider every angle, both financial and emotional. Key points: How renting can off...

Money can feel like the last taboo, especially when it comes to retirement. But what if opening up could completely transform your future? In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Founder of KBK Wealth Connection and author of Breaking Money Silence®, to explore how our early beliefs about money affect our entire financial life. We unpack the emotional side of retirement planning...

What happens when love meets life-altering diagnosis and financial pressure?  For Sandy Moss Moder, it meant stepping into the unknown and documenting every step of the way. In this episode, I talk with Sandy about her raw and revealing story as a caregiver for her husband battling frontotemporal degeneration. She opens up about the emotional, medical, and financial hurdles she faced—and how her j...

Accessing your retirement funds early doesn’t have to be a costly mistake. In this episode, I break down seven ways you may be able to withdraw from your retirement savings before age 59½ without facing that dreaded 10% early withdrawal penalty.  Whether you’re helping a family member, navigating a crisis, or just need more options, these strategies could offer critical flexibility. Key poin...

Retirement is about more than finances. How will you spend your time? How do you transition from a life dictated by schedules to one filled with purpose and joy? What steps can you take now to prepare for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle? In this episode, I explore “The Rule of 1000 Hours” in retirement, explaining how to balance freedom with intention. I offer strategies to avoid aimlessne...

Financial empowerment transforms lives, especially when women have access to tailored resources and support. In this episode, I explore the incredible work of Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping women with financial knowledge and confidence. Alongside Judy Herbst, Executive Director, and Lisa Zeiderman, Board Chair, we discuss their mission, their groundbreaking helpline, and how thei...

Most people think Social Security is straightforward—until taxes show up. The truth is, what you don’t know about how your benefits are taxed can cost you more than you expect. In this episode, I explain how Social Security gets taxed and why it hits harder for women filing single later in life. I break down the tax torpedo, walk through real examples, and share strategies to help you keep more of...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with difficult questions about protecting your assets,  Social Security benefits, and market uncertainties.  In this episode, I answer listener questions about whether to choose a living trust or a will, explain how Social Security benefits work for widows and divorced women, and discuss how to prepare your retirement income for mark...

Inheriting an IRA can feel like stepping into a financial minefield — but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your legacy. How do you know which rules apply? What if you miss a critical tax deadline? What should you do first? In this episode, I break down the five essential steps every woman should take after inheriting an IRA. I explain how the Secure Act c...

Choosing a Medicare plan is just the beginning. What comes next can have a big impact on your healthcare and wallet. In this episode, I sit down with Traci Grover, a seasoned insurance broker with Vital Health Coverage, to help you understand how to get the most from your Medicare benefits. We explore the dos and don’ts of enrollment, bust myths from TV ads, and cover key deadlines and decisions t...

The financial services industry is facing a significant shift as women are positioned to control an increasing share of wealth. This shift requires financial advisors to adapt their strategies to better serve women’s specific needs and priorities.  Are firms ready to change their long-held practices to meet the needs of this growing client base? In this milestone 50th episode, I explore the...

What should you know before claiming Social Security benefits? Do you know the ins and outs of applying for benefits or how working affects your payments? Are you confused about common-law marriage eligibility? In this episode, I answer listener questions about Social Security benefits, from clarifying the differences between spousal and survivor benefits to explaining the impact of working while...

What happens when you retire and no longer receive a paycheck? How do you pay your taxes in retirement?  This week on The Simply Retirement Podcast, I dive into this common concern among retirees. With the tax season freshly behind us, now’s a great time to address how you’ll handle taxes in your golden years. Key topics: Navigating IRS expectations for tax payments without a regular p...

Your Social Security decisions can significantly impact your financial future. How can you make the most of these benefits while avoiding common pitfalls? In this episode, I explore three lesser-known Social Security strategies that could transform your retirement income plan. From timing benefits to maximizing survivor payouts, I give practical advice to help you make informed decisions for a str...

Have you ever wondered how you would navigate the healthcare maze as you age, especially if you’re flying solo?  Understanding the role of a Patient Advocate might just be the key to planning for your future with confidence and independence. Join me on the Simply Retirement Podcast as I dive into the world of patient advocacy with Nancy Ruffner, an experienced Patient Advocate and Aging Stra...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating complex systems like Social Security. Join me as I unravel the pressing questions around Social Security reform, empowering women to take charge of their financial future. From the Social Security Fairness Act updates to the Widow’s Penalty, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help listeners achieve financial cl...

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially for women newly managing finances on their own. How can you build financial confidence, make informed Social Security decisions, and reduce taxes? What steps can help you create a stable future and enjoy retirement without financial stress? I was a guest on Senior to Seniors with Jim Mazziotti. In this episode, I share insights on retirement in...

Living a fulfilling life as you age requires more than just financial preparation—it’s about embracing your values, fostering intergenerational connections, and planning with intention. In this eye-opening episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake sits down with Nancy Griffin, CEO of Glowing Older and host of the Glowing Older podcast, to challenge outdated ideas about aging and re...

Estate planning is crucial, especially for those remarrying later in life. What happens when life changes and your estate plan doesn’t?  Amy June, an estate planning attorney focused on helping clients navigate life events, joins Eric Blake to share advice on navigating remarriage, blended families, and protecting your legacy. Learn strategies to ensure your loved ones are cared for while avoiding...

Going through a divorce is challenging, but the right guidance can transform chaos into clarity. In this episode, Eric Blake sits down with Neil Palache, founder of The Divorce Transition Professionals and The Wealth Creator Company for Women. Neil shares his wisdom in helping women navigate pre- and post-divorce financial complexities. From building a professional support network to empowering cl...

The Social Security Fairness Act is a transformative law that eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), paving the way for millions—especially women in public-sector roles—to access long-overdue Social Security benefits. In this episode, Eric Blake explores the impact of these changes on retirement planning, addressing listener questions about eligibi...

What makes a home truly special? We dive into this crucial question in our latest episode with Eric Blake and special guest Shalonda Waggoner.  Shalonda, the founder and president of LatterHouse Decor, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming domestic violence to helping others create dignified homes. Tune in to learn how Shalonda’s no-cost design ministry is transforming lives by offeri...

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...