[Ep 184]

If you’ve ever wondered why you feel out of control with your money even when you’re paying bills, saving for retirement, and carrying no balance on credit cards, this episode is for you.

Today I’m talking about why spending too much isn’t really the problem and why thinking you just need a stricter budget or more discipline may be keeping you stuck.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how a clear money system, built with visibility, structure, and intention, creates calm, clarity, and confidence so you can take control of your spending.

In this episode you’ll learn:

✅ Why does feeling out of control with your money happen even when bills are paid and saving is on track

✅ The biggest mistake people make when they try to fix spending stress is by being more stricter or thinking they need more discipline

✅ How to build a money system that provides calm with visibility, structure, and intention

✅ A simple way to start feeling confident and in control of your financial decisions

Episode Highlights

00:00 Overspending vs Unease

00:54 Why It Feels Out of Control

03:18 Systems Beat Discipline

06:28 Three System Essentials

06:36 Visibility Made Simple

07:21 Structure That Supports With Intention

12:21 Clarity Over Restriction

Blog Post: 3 Ways to Make Your Money Feel More In Control

Related Episode:

A Money System For Practical Spending and Stress Free Saving

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 183]

If you’ve ever wondered why money feels so out of control, even when you make good money, this episode is for you.

Today I’m talking about why your money can look fine on paper but still feel out of control and why it’s not actually about needing more discipline or a stricter budget.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand what’s really causing that disconnect so you can start feeling more confident and at ease with your spending.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why your money can look good on paper but still feel out of control

✅ The biggest mistake people make when they assume they need a better budget to fix it

✅ How to identify what’s actually missing in your current approach to money

✅ A simple way to start creating more structure and clarity so you feel in control

Episode Highlights

00:00 Feeling Out of Control

02:43 Blaming Discipline

04:26 Stable Yet Unsettled

06:12 Guilt After Spending

09:02 Not Really Overspending

13:57 Organize Money, Not Cut

14:52 Next Steps

Link to full blog post

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 182] 

If you’ve ever wondered if you have an overspending problem and think you need help, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest, Mary Ann Stenquist, is a spending coach and personally knows the challenges of overspending. 

Sharing her personal story as well as ways for you to begin thinking differently about your next purchase, so you can begin taking action to spend less. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why overspending happens and how to identify it
• That budgeting and budgeting better is not a great solution
• How to use the power of pause before each purchase
• A simple way to start becoming unshoppable

Episode Highlights

02:32 Budgeting Is Not Enough

04:51 Power Of The Pause

07:19 Try Before You Buy

10:30 Guilt Shame Reframe

14:51 Who Overspends And Why

17:53 Unmet Needs And Maslow

20:46 First Steps With Values

Connect with Mary Ann Stenquist

Website

Become Unshoppable Facebook Group

Free Clarity Call

Free Spending Types Quiz

Workshop Waitlist

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 181] 

If you’ve ever contemplated your next money decision and not taken action because you were afraid you would mess things up, this episode is for you. 

Today I’m talking about making confident financial decisions and why not taking action will keep you from making the progress you want. I’ll discuss three steps to help you start taking action and limit the fear of making a mistake. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll know that messes are not going to happen, but mistakes will, and how to use those mistakes to help you be successful and more confident with your money decisions.

In this episode you’ll learn:

✅ Why the fear of messing up and staying stuck is common for many individuals

✅ The biggest mistake people make when trying to make decisions with their money

✅ How to build trust in yourself and make better money decisions 

✅ The three step framework to help you build financial confidence

Episode Highlights

00:00 Why Money Feels Hard

01:05 The Confidence Gap

02:40 Fear of Messing Up

05:04 Three-Step Framework

10:09 Build Momentum Over Time

13:00 Final Takeaways

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 180]

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not making progress with money or think you’re bad with money, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk about how managing money is different as you get older, specifically for those individuals over 40 and 50, and this may be keeping you from making progress with your money. 

By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why multiple priorities are distracting and how to find the one thing that will give you the greatest momentum with your money.  

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why struggling with money happens for so many women and couples over 40

✅ The biggest mistake people make when trying to take action and make progress to retirement

✅ How to start defining that one action step for the greatest momentum

✅ A simple way to begin making progress on your retirement journey

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Why You Feel Stuck

02:33 Accumulation Habits

04:25 Old Habits Stall Progress

08:22 Scenarios to Find Focus

10:09 Map the Path and Detours

11:56 What Winning Looks Like

13:27 Reassess and Build New Habits

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 179]

Most advice says your emergency fund should cover 3–6 months of expenses, but what if that definition is actually what’s keeping you stuck?

In this episode, I share a personal turning point in my money journey and ultimately why I broke up with the traditional emergency fund. Not because emergency funds don’t matter, but because how we define them matters more.

You’ll learn how redefining your savings can help you stay consistent, make clearer decisions, and avoid debt without relying on perfect discipline. 

This episode isn’t just about emergency funds,  it’s about permitting yourself to personalize financial advice so your money aligns and supports you.

What You’ll Learn

✅ Why the standard emergency fund advice didn’t work for me

✅ The hidden problem with saving only for job loss

✅ How to rethink emergencies in a way that fits your real life

✅ Why undefined savings leaves you stressed

✅ How specific savings categories make it easier to stay consistent

✅ How emergency savings help prevent new debt

✅ Why personal finance only works when it becomes personal

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 178]

If you’ve been trying to get rid of debt but feel like you keep sliding backward, the problem usually isn’t discipline, it’s that you’re neglecting security. In this episode, I explain what an emergency fund really is, why it matters, and how it helps reduce debt by keeping you from reaching for credit cards, loans, or even family when life throws surprise expenses your way.

This is one of the biggest hidden obstacles I see with clients. They come in worried about spending habits or motivation, but the real issue is that they don’t have a buffer. Without one, every unexpected bill resets progress and makes it nearly impossible to consistently eliminate debt. We’ll also talk about why the traditional definition of an emergency fund may actually be what’s delaying you from building one.

You’ll Learn:

✅ What is an emergency fund is and why it’s a key tool to prevent taking on debt 

✅ How to personally define your emergency fund so you can build it 

✅ Knowing when you should use your emergency funds

✅ Make it a regular budget item so it’s always growing 

✅ Where to store emergency funds for additional growth and security 

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 177]

Debt isn’t just a number. It’s a commitment from your future income. In this episode, we revisit a foundational concept: what debt actually is.

Debt simply means you’re delaying payment today in exchange for a higher cost later. And once you understand that clearly, your decisions around borrowing become much easier and far more intentional.

I share why debt isn’t automatically bad. It can help you build credit and purchase important assets. But every dollar borrowed reduces the flexibility of your future money which means the real goal isn’t avoiding debt completely, it’s choosing it on purpose.

✅ What debt really is and why the definition matters

✅ How borrowing affects your future income

✅ How much debt is actually comfortable for you

✅ The difference between secured and unsecured debt

✅ How to set personal rules for credit card use

✅ How to stay in control of borrowing instead of reacting to it

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 176]

Feeling overwhelmed by debt right now? This feeling is real. The solution isn’t simply trying harder or being stricter about paying off debt.

 In this episode, I talk about the two main causes of overwhelm, even when you’re trying to be responsible and pay off the debt. You’ll learn how to change your relationship with debt so your money actually starts moving you forward instead of keeping you in place.

✅ Why debt feels different after 40 (and why that’s normal)
✅ The rollercoaster that keeps recreating debt balances
✅ Why “unexpected expenses” aren’t actually unexpected
✅ The reason low-interest debt still feels stressful
✅ How to decide if paying off debt should truly be your priority
✅ How to budget and get out of debt

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 175]

If you’re juggling priorities in this stage of life and your finances feel like money chaos, this episode is for you. 

I break down how to simplify what’s become complicated over years of managing money and explain the financial foundations that support long-term stability. 

You’ll also learn why being financially successful starts with four core foundations, plus the catalyst that helps everything finally click.

✅ How to identify and prioritize what truly matters most in your finances

✅ The key questions you need to ask to build strong financial foundations

✅ Why personalized financial systems work better than one-size-fits-all plans

✅ How clarity around your goals leads to confidence and long-term financial success

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 174]

Financial freedom (retirement) doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t come from saving alone. It’s built through intentional decisions, a clear retirement dream, and the confidence to design a life you’re excited to live.

In this episode, you learn how intentional decisions will help you shape your retirement dream. If you’ve ever thought, “I just hope it all works out,” or wondered what retirement will really look like beyond travel and time off, be sure to listen. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ What money freedom really means and why it’s more than just retirement

✅ Why intentional decisions are the bridge between your savings and your retirement dream

✅ Why most people skip this phase and the risks of doing so

✅ How to adjust your money systems and plans to support your dream life

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 173]

Knowing if you’re making the right financial decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when life is pressing in from all sides. As part of the sandwich generation, you’re helping parents, supporting children, and trying to stay on track for your own retirement, all at the same time.

In this episode, you’ll learn why making financial decisions based on emotion alone often leads to regret, stress, and feeling stuck, and how having a clear system can help you move from “I have to” choices to “I want to” decisions you can stand behind.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to separate facts from feelings when emotional money situations arise

✅ The 3-step decision-making process that turns chaos into clarity

✅ How to create money rules and boundaries that protect both your present life and future retirement

✅ How confident money decisions lead to better conversations, less guilt, and greater financial freedom

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 172]

In this episode, you’ll learn how a few intentional systems can eliminate the chaos, help you spend confidently, save consistently, and take control of your retirement path starting today.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Why mental budgeting keeps you stuck (and how to break the cycle)
• The three essential money systems you need for retirement readiness
• How cash flow systems simplify your daily spending decisions

Get the full show notes HERE!

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 171]

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the exact numbers to look at, what they mean, and how to interpret them so you can finally stop guessing and start knowing. When you understand your money reality, you gain confidence, direction, and a sense of control you may not have felt in years.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The simple financial numbers that reveal your real retirement readiness
• Why fears often exaggerate your money problems and how to replace fear with clarity
• How to calculate your true savings rate (and what it should be)
• The mindset shift that turns “I hope we’re okay” into “I know exactly where we stand"

Get the full show notes HERE!

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 170]

This episode gives you the clarity you’ve been craving so you can stop spinning, start planning, and confidently move toward a retirement you’re excited about. No more being afraid or being worried about retirement. If you’re ready for financial confidence, predictable cash flow, and a clear path toward retirement freedom, this is where your journey begins.

• The 4 phases you must complete to build a realistic retirement plan
• Why mental budgeting is keeping you stuck and the system you need instead
• How to understand your true “money reality” so you can plan with confidence
• The most important first step to take if you want to retire on time

Get the full show notes HERE!

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 169] 

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your progress and set yourself up for success. 

In this episode, we’ll help you take a closer look at your retirement journey, what’s fueling your momentum, what’s holding you back, and where you can make meaningful adjustments. You’ll learn how to review your financial wins from the past year, identify the small leaks that may be slowing your progress, and clarify your vision for retirement.

We’ll walk through practical, actionable steps to help you create a retirement ready plan, aligned with your values and financial priorities. Whether it’s adjusting your contributions, refining your budget system, or gaining retirement clarity, this episode is designed to help you take control of your money and move forward with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to reflect on your past year and acknowledge your financial wins
✅ Simple ways to identify “leaks” that drain your retirement momentum
✅ How to define a clear vision for your retirement and what matters most

✅ How awareness and small changes can fuel a retirement-ready plan
✅ Quick actions to increase contributions and gain retirement clarity

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 168] 

If you’ve ever thought, “I just need more discipline with my budget,” this episode is for you. Many smart, motivated women already have a budget or money plan that works until it doesn’t. A birthday, a trip, an emotional splurge and suddenly it feels like you’ve failed. But the truth is, your budget problem can’t be solved with more discipline.

In this episode, I explore why discipline is often the wrong tool for achieving consistent financial progress and how relying on it can actually lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and stalled retirement goals. Instead, you’ll learn why a clear money plan, rooted in your values, financial priorities, and a supportive budget system, is what truly creates confidence and follow-through.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why discipline won’t fix inconsistent spending or budget frustration
✅ The real definition of discipline and why it doesn’t belong in your money plan
✅ How values budgeting creates clarity and reduces second-guessing
✅ The difference between financial values and financial priorities (and why you need both)
✅ Why awareness is the most underrated skill in money management
✅ How clarity today accelerates retirement confidence and freedom

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 167] 

Are you dreaming of the retirement you truly want, but constantly caught in the what if stage? What if you run out of money? What if you can’t travel, buy that second home, or live the lifestyle you’ve imagined? Many individuals over 40 find themselves stuck between the retirement they desire and the fear that it may never happen. 

In this episode, I’m breaking down a practical, 3-step process to move from fear to possibility. You’ll learn how to gain clarity about your finances, measure where the gaps are, and take action with simple steps that create real progress. By the end, you’ll have tools to replace worry with confidence, discover opportunities you may have overlooked, and take actionable steps toward retirement. 

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to identify the biggest fears holding you back from retirement

✅ How to measure gaps in savings, debt, and spending effectively

✅ How to create a plan for long-term retirement success

✅ The mindset shift from fear to possibility and opportunity

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 166] 

If you’ve been quietly hoping retirement will work itself out, this episode is your wake-up call. Becoming retirement ready isn’t about luck, guesswork, or crossing your fingers. It’s about clarity, consistency, and having a simple plan you can actually follow. 

In today’s episode, I’m walking you through a practical 3-step process that takes you from uncertainty to confidence, no matter where you’re starting. We’ll break down what retirement really looks like for you, how to build savings without overwhelm, and why a personalized money plan is the foundation of every confident retirement journey. 

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why clarity is your first step to becoming retirement ready

✅ How to define your retirement with details 

✅ A simple way to start saving consistently 

✅ How small, steady increases turn into big retirement wins

✅ Why a budget is the most important tool for retirement planning

Related Episodes:

Ep 161 - Anxious About Retirement? Your Timeline Holds the Answer

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 165] 

If you’re a GenXer wondering what the first step in retirement planning really is, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been missing. So many of us feel retirement fear because you don’t know where to start or which numbers matter most. Before you think about investments or complicated strategies, you need to know your numbers. 

In this episode, you’ll learn how to start a retirement plan with five key numbers that bring direction, confidence, and a clear path forward. When you understand what you’re working with today, planning for retirement becomes far less overwhelming and far more possible.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ The 5 numbers every GenXer must know

✅ The first step in retirement planning to quickly reduce retirement fear

✅ How to use your real numbers to guide retirement decisions

✅ Simple planning retirement tips you can use today

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 164] 

Have you ever wondered why some people make steady progress on their retirement journey while others stay stuck, even with a good income? I was there too, budgeting, saving, planning, but never feeling confident it was enough. That's why I became a financial coach. 

Over my 13-year retirement journey, I learned that reaching retirement is possible, but I didn’t have a clear path, checklist, or anything telling me what to do next. What I learned on my journey is the exact steps I help clients take to get them to retirement. I’ve become the retirement coach I wish I had on my journey. 

What You'll Learn:

✅ My journey to retirement, from financial blogs to creating my own retirement roadmap 

✅ Why I used my budget as my retirement checklist 

✅ The critical first steps I wish I'd known on my retirement journey

✅ How questioning each expense supported me in getting retirement ready

✅ Why your current budget directly impacts what you'll need in retirement

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 163] 

If you're wondering how to maintain your retirement lifestyle without sacrificing what you love, this episode is for you. 

You're enjoying life and the thought of preparing for retirement has you feeling you will have to give up everything. Planning for lifestyle changes now actually saves you from stress, money struggles, and disappointment later. The problem isn't your spending, it's unclear priorities. When you don't know which parts of your lifestyle truly matter most, your money drifts toward everything instead of what's meaningful. 

What You'll Learn:

✅ How to maintain your lifestyle now and into retirement 

✅ Why unclear priorities cause worry and overspending 

✅ How value-based budgeting supports your vision when planning for retirement

✅ The secret to making your retirement transition seamless 

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 162] 

Feel overwhelmed by debt and unable to plan for retirement? In this episode, I explore retirement and debt, and why they don't have to be mutually exclusive. The truth about paying off debt before retirement is that you don't have to eliminate everything first. But you do need help with identifying what's really causing your debt cycle. Discover how understanding what creates your debt changes everything. 

What You'll Learn:

✅ Why you don't need all debt paid off before retirement and the better question to ask 

✅ How to decide whether retirement and debt can coexist 

✅ Why feeling overwhelmed by debt often stems from a preparedness problem

✅ How the cycle of debt reveals what's really blocking your path to retirement 

✅ Why getting help with retirement planning is non-negotiable at this age

Mentioned Episodes:

Episode 45 - How Understanding Financial Freedom Levels Can Accelerate Your Financial Journey

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 161] 

Feeling anxious about retirement? Many people believe retirement isn’t even an option for them. But understanding your retirement timeline is the first step toward finding peace about your future. This episode will help you move from hopelessness to having a clear, achievable retirement timeline.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How to identify when you want to retire versus when you can retire

✅ How understanding your retirement timeline reduces anxiety and creates motivation 

✅ How Social Security withdrawal periods factor into your personal retirement timeline

✅ The various age restrictions within retirement accounts 

✅ Why Social Security ages shouldn't determine your entire retirement timeline

Related Episode:

83 - Navigating Social Security with Christopher Hensley

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep160]

If you’re worried about retirement, this episode is your nudge to stop avoiding the fear and start exploring it. Because the longer you sit in uncertainty, the more complacent you become. 

In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really means to “get serious” and why facing your retirement fears is the key to taking action. You’ll learn how to identify what’s triggering your worries, how to turn those thoughts into motivation, and the first steps to move from anxiety to clarity. 

What you’ll learn:

✅ Why ignoring your retirement worries keeps you stuck

✅ What “getting serious” about retirement really means

✅ How to identify the thoughts fueling your retirement fears

✅ How to shift those fears into motivation for action

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 159]

In this episode, I talk about why you are the expert of your money and what you need in place before bringing in a financial advisor. You’ll learn how to build confidence around your cash flow, set realistic savings goals, and create the clarity that helps you make smart financial decisions.

If you’re ready to feel in control of your money and confident in your next financial step, this episode is for you.

What you’ll learn:

✅ Why a financial advisor can’t fix what a strong money system solves

✅ The three things to do before hiring a financial advisor

✅ Why understanding your money flow gives you more confidence in any financial decision

✅ How one couple went from financial stress to saving $11,000 in 90 days

Related Episodes:

Ep 63 - Why You Feel Broke and How to Manage Your Cash Flow Effectively

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 158] 

You may be thinking, “I just need to save a certain amount of money to retire,” but the truth is, getting ready for retirement requires so much more than just hitting a number. In this episode, I’m walking you through my Retirement Confidence Formula, a simple, step-by-step framework designed to help you get clear, organized, and take action so you can truly become retirement ready. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why retirement isn’t just about saving a number 

✅ How the Retirement Confidence Formula works

✅ Practical ways to create a simple, achievable plan for your most important goals

✅ Why revisiting the formula builds confidence and keeps you on track

✅ How to prioritize multiple money goals without sabotaging your plan

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 157] 

Instead of stress and panic in most emergencies, your emergency fund can help you have a sense of peace. In this episode, I’m showing you how to build an emergency fund that doesn’t feel like a restriction or a sacrifice. Instead, it’s a tool that brings peace, freedom, and confidence so that you can handle life’s surprises without fear. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why your emergency fund is a symbol of wealth, not limitation

✅ The hidden mindset shift that makes saving feel rewarding

✅ The real reason saving for emergencies gives you lasting peace

✅ How clarity and planning create confidence in any financial storm

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 156] 

When you think about retirement, does it ever feel like everything is an urgent must-do? Should you pay off debt, be saving more, or catch up on savings for retirement? No wonder it feels overwhelming! The truth is, trying to tackle everything at once keeps you stuck. 

By the end of today’s conversation, you’ll know how to cut through the noise, choose the right priority for you, and start creating a retirement plan that feels doable instead of overwhelming.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The #1 reason competing money priorities keep you stuck

✅ How to identify which financial priority matters most right now

✅ Why solving one thing at a time creates confidence and momentum

✅ Examples of how different priorities (debt, savings, retirement) shift the path forward

✅ The key question that helps you uncover your best next step toward retirement

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 155] 

When you think about retirement planning, do you feel pressured to give up the things you enjoy today so you can save for the future? That’s a false choice. You don’t have to live with restrictions to create security for tomorrow. 

In this episode, I’ll show you how to bring balance to your money so you can enjoy life now while still building your retirement dreams. By the end of today’s conversation, you’ll know how to structure your spending and saving in a way that feels sustainable, purposeful, and aligned with what matters most to you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why “all or nothing” thinking keeps you stuck with money and retirement planning

✅ How to create simple rules for balancing debt payoff, saving, and spending

✅ The truth about why over-saving or over-spending leads to burnout

✅ Three steps to implement the “now and later” philosophy with your money

✅ How to use systems (not willpower) to stay consistent

Related Episodes:

Ep 98 - Retirement 101: Creating a Fulfilling Next Chapter, Your Retirement

Ep 120 - How Do I Start a Retirement Plan? Dream It First

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 154] 

I’ve tried every kind of budgeting and tracking system. Along the way, I discovered what truly worked for me and turned those lessons into the philosophies I now teach my clients. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my personal budgeting journey, the mistakes I made, and the shifts that finally gave me clarity, control, and confidence. By the end of this conversation, you’ll see how a budget can be designed around you, your values, your priorities, and the retirement lifestyle you’re working toward. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The evolution of my budgeting journey (and why some methods didn’t last)

✅ Why “static but flexible” is the key to a budget that works long term.

✅ How I used budgeting to increase retirement savings little by little.

✅ Three core rules I teach clients to create sustainable budgets.

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 153] In this episode, I am sharing why a budget is important in your retirement planning. I’m breaking down what a budget really is, why it matters for your retirement, and how you can start making one work for you today. By the end, you’ll know how to shift from seeing a budget as a punishment to seeing it as permission and the tool that will help you retire. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What a budget really is (and what it’s not)

✅ Why budgeting is essential if you want to feel secure about retirement

✅ Simple mindset shifts to stop feeling restricted by your budget

✅ Practical steps to use budgeting as your most powerful retirement tool

Related episodes:

Ep 124 - How to Budget for Retirement Without Sacrifices

Ep 133 - How to Create a Budget and Stick to It (Even When Life Goes Off Track)

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 152] If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I on track for retirement?” or felt unsure where to even begin, you’re not alone. So many people think they need one major change to catch up, but the truth is, you get on the right track to retirement through small, consistent steps.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 quick wins to help you get your retirement on track. Simple actions you can start today that build confidence, clarity, and real momentum toward your dream retirement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why consistency matters more than perfection when getting your retirement on track

✅ The trap of waiting for a big fix instead of taking meaningful steps

✅ Five simple actions to start your retirement plan today

✅ The compounding effect of small, repeatable money habits

✅ How consistency shifts you from feeling stuck to seeing real results

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 151] You might think you’re behind, but what if I told you that starting late for retirement actually gives you an advantage? By your 40s and 50s, you’ve built wisdom, clarity, and life experience that your 25-year-old self simply didn’t have. That means the money decisions you make today are smarter, more intentional, and more powerful.

If you’ve been worried that you’re “too late,” this episode will show you how your late start is actually the exact boost you need to create the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why your late start comes with built-in advantages

✅ The clarity you have now that your younger self did not

✅ How to apply life lessons to your retirement plan

✅ Practical ways to use your experience as leverage

✅ The first step to turning your late start into a retirement win

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 150] If you’ve ever felt behind in retirement planning or caught yourself thinking you’re starting late, this episode will feel like a breath of relief. 

In this episode, I’m breaking down why “too late thinking” holds you back far more than actually starting late ever will. 

This episode is the first of a three-part series designed to help you release shame, reframe your mindset, and begin retirement planning with clarity, confidence, and urgency that feels empowering, not overwhelming.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why “starting late” is a mindset, not a math problem

✅ How generational differences shaped your access to financial knowledge

✅ The real impact of “too late thinking” on retirement planning

✅ Four practical steps to define your true starting point

✅ Why getting serious doesn’t mean going all-in overnight

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 149] In this powerful client success episode, I share how one woman went from overwhelmed, uncertain, and stuck to saving $12,000 and purchasing her first investment property an entire year earlier than she expected. 

You’ll hear the exact steps she took, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and how clarity in her numbers created unstoppable momentum. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too late” or if your financial mess is holding you back, this story will inspire you to take action today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How we uncovered over $1,000/month she didn’t know she had

✅ The simple money routine that changed how she felt about finances

✅ How cash envelopes helped her communicate better with her family

✅ The systems that helped her build confidence and clarity

✅ What pushed her to finally invest in support

✅ Why waiting costs more than taking action

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 148] 

When it comes to saving for retirement, do you feel paralyzed by the big picture? Maybe you’re staring down $500K, $750K, or even $1 million and thinking, “That’s impossible.” The truth is, it’s not. The key is breaking those big goals into smaller, doable chunks. 

In this episode, I’ll share how my Milestone Method will help make your money goals tangible, actionable, and achievable.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Why big retirement goals feel overwhelming (and how to fix it)

✅ The power of milestones and 90-day targets

✅ How “opportunity cycles” fuel your financial progress

✅ Why feedback is more valuable than perfection

✅ How to build confidence by hitting small, realistic money wins

✅ A step-by-step way to make retirement goals achievable

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 147] 

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ll never have enough to retire,” “I’ve got too much debt to pay off,” or even “It’s too late for me to catch up”? These thoughts feel true, but they’re actually myths that quietly keep you stuck. 

In this episode, I’ll help you uncover the sneaky stories your brain tells you to keep you “safe,” and how to start rewriting them so you can move toward the retirement you want.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ What limiting beliefs are and where they come from

✅ Why your brain holds onto myths (and how it thinks it’s keeping you safe)

✅ Three common retirement myths you may believe

✅ Why these thoughts stall your progress toward retirement

✅ Simple steps to rewrite your story and rewire your brain

✅ How pairing new beliefs with small actions builds confidence and momentum

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 146] 

Do you have a retirement goal, but it feels fuzzy? This may be one area that, once you get clear and defined, you realize there is no stopping your progress. In this episode, I will share 3 steps to create more specific goals for your money journey

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why vague goals keep you stuck and how to shift them into clear statements

✅ Two key elements to make your money goals specific 

✅ How to test if your goal is realistic (and what to do if it’s not)

✅ The power of breaking big financial goals into milestones

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 145] 

Clarity with where your money is going today is essential to you achieving your retirement goal. If you are worried about how to reach retirement or how to save enough money this episode will help you understand if you should be reducing expenses, paying off debt, or doubling down on savings.

What you’ll learn:

✅ How to evaluate your current financial reality 

✅ Why clarity matters before action 

✅ A three point reflection every retirement plan needs

✅ Where your first focus should be right now 

Related Episodes:

Ep 66 - Why Budgeting Isn’t Enough And What You're Leaving Out

Ep 102 - Redefining Your Debt Relationship and Taking Control For Retirement

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 144]

Ever feel like you’re falling behind financially no matter how hard you work or how much you accomplish?

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of a client who went from stuck in comparison mode to building real confidence and momentum with her money. She was running a thriving business, yet felt like a failure because she kept measuring herself against other people’s retirement accounts, debt-free milestones, and dream vacations. 

The truth is, when you’re busy comparing your finances to someone else’s highlight reel, you lose sight of the only numbers that actually matter: your own. Tune in to learn how she shifted from unsettled to successful, and how you can start finding progress and peace in your own financial journey.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Why comparing your finances to others keeps you stuck and frustrated

✅ How to measure financial progress the right way (and what numbers to focus on)

✅ A simple two-step process to stop comparison and start building confidence

✅ How one client went from unsettled and overwhelmed to making real financial progress

✅ Practical money tips for finding success on your retirement journey

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 143]

If you’ve ever thought, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I figure this money thing out?” 

Inside this episode, I dive into why smart, capable women still feel stuck, stressed about money, and behind when it comes to budgeting and saving. Spoiler: It’s not about more discipline or more knowledge, it’s about finding a budgeting system that fits who you are.

What you’ll learn:

✅ Why budgeting and saving money the traditional way often doesn’t work for you

✅ How to stop feeling stressed about money by finding a system that fits you

✅ What signs show you need a new approach to budgeting 

✅ Two simple steps to start budgeting better and saving money 

Related Episodes:

Ep 138 - Why Am I Bad With Money? 4 Mindset Shifts to Help You Move Forward

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 142]

You’re worried about retirement but yet you haven’t changed what you’re doing with your money. Are you hoping your retirement will magically work out, even though you don’t use a budget and you have no idea where your money’s going? 

In this episode, I’m calling out the real reason you’re stuck and the one step that can change everything.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why being worried about retirement won’t fix a thing

✅ Why waiting can created a serious wall and not a set back

✅ The powerful difference mindset and action make

✅ The bold truth about the biggest lie holding you back

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 141] 

If saving for retirement feels like one big question mark, this episode is for you. In this episode, I am sharing 5 tips for saving for retirement specifically to help you save more. So if you’re looking for ways on how to save enough for retirement, these tips are for you. Some might sound familiar, but I promise a few will surprise you. 

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why chasing the “perfect” strategy delays real progress

✅ How to save enough for retirement using small actions

✅ Tips for saving for retirement without cutting what you love

✅ The hidden cost of investment fees (and how to take that money back)

✅ A simple way to challenge yourself and boost savings consistently

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 140]

Feeling like you’re late to the savings game? I promise, it’s not too late. 

This episode is all about how to start saving for retirement. Whether you’ve saved a little or not at all, we’re going back to the basics so you can consistently save for retirement at 40. 

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why saving for retirement at 40 (or even 50) is still possible

✅ The 4 S’s that help you be consistent with saving money 

✅ How to start saving money for retirement with realistic steps

✅ How to save with style and why that may be the piece you’re missing

✅ A mindset shift that will help you take action and stop playing catch-up

Related Episodes:

Episode 30 - Savings The #1 Habit to Financial Security

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 139]

Are you doing enough for retirement? You may be thinking, how do I start my retirement process. Retirement isn’t just about saving money there’s definitely some other things to know about retirement. In this episode, I share with you four (4) things you need to know about retirement planning that go beyond just contributing to your 401(k).

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why starting your retirement process early gives you more freedom and control

✅ A simple way to define your retirement vision and set a flexible retirement timeline

✅ The #1 mindset shift to make if you’re only focused on saving

✅ How your current lifestyle directly impacts your future lifestyle

✅ How to use your FI number to build a retirement plan that fits your life

Related Episodes:

Episode 116 - A Retirement Ready VIP Session Experience

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 138]

Why am I bad with money? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question or told yourself “I’m just bad with money”, this episode is for you. 

The truth: it’s not a lack of tools or knowledge that keeps you stuck. More often, it’s shame. And that shame keeps you frozen, second-guessing every decision and avoiding the very habits that could help you grow.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How to recognize financial shame or guilt and the difference

✅ Why saying “I’m bad with money” keeps you stuck and how to shift that belief

✅ Why compassion is more powerful than discipline when it comes to budgeting

✅ Four ways to release shame and make progress with your money

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 137]

How do you stop overspending money even when you’re tracking and knowing where your money is going? Control happens at the decision-making stage not when you review your expenses and “see your overspending”. 

This episode will help you understand why knowing where your money goes isn’t the same as being in control and what you should do instead to help you stop overspending. 

What You’ll Learn:

✅ What is Overspending 

✅ Are You Truly Overspending

✅ Why You Overspend Even When Using A Budget

✅ 3 Actions To Help You Stop Overspending

Related Episodes:

Episode 133 - How to Create a Budget and Stick to It (Even When Life Goes Off Track)

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 136]

Thinking about investing for retirement? Don’t skip the most important first step. Before you put money in the market, you need a plan that protects your future and your peace of mind.

If you’re wondering how to invest for retirement or where to start investing with little money, this episode will guide you through the three smart steps to take before you invest, so that your future growth is secure and sustainable.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why jumping into investing too soon can backfire

✅ The saving rule that makes investing work for you

✅ How to build a strong financial cushion (and why you need one)

✅ The truth about emergency funds vs. investments

✅ What to do if you don’t have a 401(k) or match

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 135]

If you feel like you’re late to the retirement game and don’t have much saved… you’re not alone. But here’s the truth. This isn’t just about balancing bills and savings anymore. You’re on a mission and every dollar you spend (or save) matters. The solution isn’t another tight budget. It’s clarity, alignment, and strategy.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why your retirement savings problem isn’t just about needing to “save more”

✅ The key mindset shift that helps you stop feeling restricted

✅ Tips for saving for retirement that actually work 

✅ The 4-step process I use with clients to find hidden savings

✅ How to align your spending with what matters most without sacrificing joy

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 134]

If you’ve ever thought, “I need a side hustle” or “What side hustle can I do?”, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

My guest, Chloe Winstanley, shares how she turned her passion for crafting into a successful side business. What started as selling polymer clay earrings online during the pandemic has now grown into hosting multi-craft workshops in both New Zealand and Seattle.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How to start a side hustle that aligns with your creativity and lifestyle

✅ Tips for running successful craft fairs and in-person workshops

✅ How to pivot during tough seasons and keep showing up

✅ What to consider when trying to make money with a side hustle

✅ The value of persistence, community, and connecting with others along the way

If you’re curious about starting something of your own, be sure to connect with Chloe:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/100kartist

Website: http://www.100kartist.com

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 133] 

You’re trying your best to budget, but every month you overspend at least one category, right? But let me ask you, did you create your budget with a crystal ball? If you’ve ever given up on budgeting because “it never goes to plan,” this one’s for you. 

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 powerful mindset shifts and practical steps that will help you build a better budget.

What you’ll learn:

✅ Why your budget should be a plan, not a prediction

✅ How to stop seeing overspending as failure and use it as feedback

✅ What tracking your expenses will help you do

✅ How to budget successfully long-term (hint: it’s not restriction)

Additional resources:

Episode 66 - Why Budgeting Isn’t Enough And What You're Leaving Out

Episode 67 - Why Avoiding Budgets Can Lead to Missing Out

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 132] 

Have you ever felt guilty for spending money on something you love because you think it’s keeping you from being successful with money? It’s not about how to spend less and save more, but how to spend money without guilt.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

✅ Why skipping the $5 coffee isn’t the answer and what actually helps you save money for retirement

✅ How to shift your mindset from restriction to intention when it comes to spending and saving

✅ A simple framework to align your spending with what matters most so you can save wisely and enjoy your money

✅ The key step most people miss when trying to figure out how to save money and spend wisely and how to fix it

Additional resources:

Ep 68 How My Client Learned to Spend More On Herself

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 131]

Feeling overwhelmed by everything you think you need to do before you retire? In this episode, I’m helping you calm that retirement anxiety by narrowing your focus. Instead of juggling a long list of to-dos, I’ll show you how choosing just one thing, like paying off your mortgage, can create momentum.

If anxiety about retirement is keeping you stuck, this episode will help you take a breath, get clear, and move forward with purpose.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

✅ How to acknowledge and navigate retirement overwhelm

✅ Why simplifying your focus helps reduce retirement anxiety

✅ The power of choosing one goal, such as paying off your mortgage

✅ How to build a simple plan and track your progress toward retirement

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 130]

In this episode, Drew Boyer, a CFP, shares his journey in the financial industry, the inspiration behind his book 'Hip Hop X Finance,' and practical advice for managing personal finances.

Topics Covered In The Podcast:

✅ The Inspiration Behind 'Hip Hop x Finance'

✅ Financial Lessons from Hip Hop

✅ Drew's Personal Financial Struggles

✅ Financial Education and Early Lessons

✅ Advice for Overcoming Financial Challenges

Connect with Drew Boyer

https://www.facebook.com/hiphopxfinance/

https://www.tiktok.com/@hiphopxfinance

https://www.instagram.com/hiphopxfinance/

https://hiphopxfinance.com/

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 129] 

What if your spouse, or even you, wants to retire sooner than planned? 

In this episode, I’m walking you through what to consider before saying yes to early retirement and how to start running the numbers. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I know if I can retire?”, you’re in the right place. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ 3 questions to explore early retirement readiness

✅ How to calculate income replacement

✅ Why a clear budget gives you confidence to take bold steps

✅ How to run a simple “what if” scenario with your real numbers

Episodes Mentioned:

Ep 125 - What If You’re Closer to Retirement Than You Think?

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 128] 

You’ve been told to save for retirement and then just retire. But what about everything in between? What should you be doing now to make sure retirement actually happens? In this episode, I’ll share 3 steps to start your retirement planning process today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What is retirement planning 

✅ How to get clear on your current finances 

✅ Why that directly impacts how much you’ll need in retirement

✅ Why defining your ideal retirement and timeline matters

✅ How to start budgeting for both 

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 127]

You want to retire, but the more you think about it, the more worried you become. Some days, you find yourself doubting retirement altogether. In this episode, I share why I stand by the belief that if you believe you can, you will. This episode will help you get unstuck and find a way to take action. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅Why doubt is the biggest hurdle to feeling retirement-ready

✅ How to uncover the limiting beliefs that are fueling your fear

✅How to shift your mindset so you can take action

Additional resources:

Episode 63 - Why You Feel Broke and How to Manage Your Cash Flow Effectively

Episode 124 - How to Budget for Retirement Without Sacrifices

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 126] 

Tired of surprise expenses stealing your savings? Learn how the sinking fund approach can protect your savings and get you back on track for retirement.

Increasing your financial stability is key to reaching financial freedom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•Why unexpected expenses are the biggest stumbling block to retirement

•How the sinking fund method will help you protect your savings 

•3 steps to grow your sinking funds with purpose and ease

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 125] 

Think you’re not ready to retire? That fear might be lying to you. Tune in and find out why you could be closer than you think.

It's time to tell that little voice in your head that you're ready to do this!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•A simple 3-part check to determine if you’re ready to retire 

•The truth about saving for retirement, even if it feels like it’s not enough

•How asking questions like “When can I retire?” leads to clarity

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 124]

Will we have to cut back so much that we don’t enjoy retirement? This may be a fear you have about retiring. 

In today’s episode, I’m going to share 3 steps to help you budget for retirement and be sure you don’t sacrifice your current lifestyle.

What you’ll learn:

✅ “Living on less” is just a limiting belief

✅ Fear of restriction comes from lack of clarity

✅ 3 steps to plan your ideal retirement lifestyle

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 123] 

You’ve just started thinking about retirement. You ask yourself: Am I on track for retirement OR How do I start planning for retirement? 

I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I share 5 must-do steps to help you get ready for retirement.

These steps are simple, but they’re powerful. And they’re exactly where you begin.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to ditch the overwhelm from Google overload

✅ Get 5 clear starting steps for retirement planning

✅ How to find your next best move

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 122]

In today’s episode, I’m diving into the importance of saving money and how this single habit can completely transform your financial journey. If you’ve ever wondered why saving is such a big deal or how to actually stick with it, this episode will give you all you need to know. 

I’ll walk you through eight (8) powerful reasons why the importance of a strong saving habit is key to managing money with confidence. From eliminating debt to growing your wealth, saving consistently is a foundational skill you don’t want to overlook.

You’ll also hear practical tips on how to develop a saving habit, plus how to overcome the common obstacles that can stand in your way.

What You’ll Learn

✅ Why the importance of saving money goes far beyond just having an emergency fund

✅ The real value behind developing a saving habit even if you’re starting small

✅ Actionable strategies to build consistency and become the saver you want to be

✅ Mindset shifts and simple tools to overcome the excuses that have kept you stuck

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 119]

You’re asking, how do I know if I can retire? This episode helps you get ready for retirement by assessing 6 key areas of readiness.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How current finances affect retirement planning

✅ How to prepare for retirement budgeting and lifestyle

✅ Understanding savings and debt now and in retirement

✅ Grow your knowledge to get ready for retirement

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

What does it really take to retire with both financial freedom and a sense of purpose? In this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Huhn who shares how his journey from the corporate grind to purpose-driven work reshaped his entire outlook on money and retirement. From investment strategies to liquidity planning, Bryan offers practical advice and personal stories that will inspire you to think differently about your own financial path. 

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why mindset shifts around money are crucial for financial freedom

✅ How embracing minimalism can boost both joy and wealth

✅ The role of diversified investments and emergency liquidity

✅ How to align work with passion especially near retirement

✅ Why your retirement plan needs more than just savings goals

Connect with Bryan:

LinkedIn

Website

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 121]

In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Retirement Ready Bootcamp, a 3-day experience designed to help you understand all elements of retirement planning and what to do next.

I’ll share:

✅ What I wish I had when I started my own retirement journey

✅ Why I created this Bootcamp for people just like you

✅ Why this might be the most important next step you take for your future

If you’re ready for clear steps, practical support, and a no-pressure space to get started on your retirement plan, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Note: Bootcamp is no longer offered. Check out the Retirement Ready Workshop for support instead.

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 120]

Where do I start with retirement planning? How do I start a retirement plan? The best place to begin is by dreaming. 

Creating a vision for your ideal retirement gives you a clear target to aim for. It shapes the direction of your retirement plan and helps you understand what you’re truly working toward.

What You'll Learn:

✅ Why creating a vision is the first step in retirement planning

✅ How your vision guides and shapes your entire retirement plan

✅ What to do next once your vision is clear

This episode will help you gain clarity on the first few steps in how to start planning for retirement.

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Greg Luken joins me in today’s episode discussing how to become wealthy in life. Sharing what he has learned by working with several individuals who are first generation wealth, Greg has defined three key superpowers as the driver of this wealth. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How people who didn’t grow up with money built wealth

✅ Financial and emotional challenges on your wealth journey

✅ The three key superpowers to amass wealth

✅ How to stay inspired and focused on your wealth journey

Connect with Greg:

Luken Wealth Management

Unleash Your Financial Superpowers

Facebook

LinkedIn

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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[Ep 118]

In this podcast episode, I discuss 3 retirement fears and limiting money beliefs that can keep you stuck with retirement planning. This episode will support you in how to rewrite those beliefs and take control of your finances for a successful retirement. 

What you’ll learn in the episode:

✅ Identify what are some limiting beliefs around money that hold you back in retirement planning

✅ Understand common limiting beliefs like “I don’t have enough money” or “I haven’t saved enough”

✅ Learn how to change limiting beliefs with factual evidence and a clear financial system

✅ Discover the power of overcoming limiting beliefs by tracking your cash flow and setting realistic goals

Resources mentioned:

Episode 116 A Retirement Ready VIP Session Experience

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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In this episode, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Melissa Murphy Pavone sheds light on the often-overlooked role of the “non-CFO spouse” during divorce. Melissa shares how her personal story shaped her mission to empower individuals, especially women, who have traditionally managed day-to-day finances but feel lost or excluded when it comes to long-term financial planning. In this discussion, we dive into collaborative divorce, a lesser-known but incredibly empowering option that keeps families out of court and centers respectful, creative solutions. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What a divorce financial analyst does and why it matters
✅ How a divorce financial expert can help you avoid costly mistakes
✅ The benefits of a collaborative divorce over a traditional approach
✅ How collaborative divorce works and who it’s for
✅ Why financial planning is key to a smoother, more empowered split

Melissa Murphy Pavone CFP®, CDFA®
Founder I Financial Planner, Mindful Financial Partners
(631) 903-8282
melissa@mindfulfinancialpartners.com
www.mindfulfinancialpartners.com

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 117]

Budgeting for retirement is essential. In this episode, I will share why budgeting is important and how budgeting can help you with retirement planning. It’s time to quit thinking about budgeting as being restrictive but as your key to retirement. 

What We’ll Cover:

✅ Why budgeting is important for retirement success

✅ How budgeting works to give you financial clarity

✅ The key elements of a strong retirement budget

✅ What a budget can help you do to reach your goals

✅ How to make budgeting for retirement simple and effective

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 116] 

Do you ever wonder Am I ready to retire? or How do I know if I can retire? In this episode, I take you inside a Retirement Ready VIP Session, where I helped a client get clear on her numbers, eased her worries, and provided action steps to move her forward on her retirement planning journey. If you’re ready to retire with confidence, this is for you!

What You’ll Learn:

✅ What Happens in a VIP Session – A behind-the-scenes look at how a Retirement Ready VIP Session works, what you can experience, and how it will support you to get ready for retirement. 

✅ How Do I Know If I Can Retire – Learn how to calculate your Financial Independence (FI) number, why it matters, and how to close the gap.

✅ Build a Structured Savings Strategy – Gain insight into sinking funds, emergency savings, and how to plan for non-monthly expenses. 

✅ The Mortgage Payoff Debate – Discover different perspectives on paying off your mortgage before retirement and how to decide what’s right for you.

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 115]

Wondering how much you need to retire? Should you pay off debt before saving? How much should you save each month? In this Q&A episode, I discuss your biggest retirement planning questions to help you gain clarity on your retirement planning journey.

What you’ll learn from the episode:

✔️ How much money do you need to retire?

✔️ Should you pay off debt before saving for retirement?

✔️ How much should you save each month?

✔️ When should you start taking Social Security benefits?

Got more questions about retirement? Use the link in the show notes to submit yours for a future episode! Need a personalized plan? Book a free Q&A call, and let’s find your retirement answers together!

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 114]

Inflation isn’t going away, but you can take control of your financial future. In this episode, I’ll specifically share how to protect yourself from inflation. In this episode, I will share two components to help protect you against the rising cost of living and lessen your worry about retirement planning. Learn how to create your own economy so you can navigate rising costs and stay on track for retirement.

Within this episode you’ll learn:

✅ Personal finance strategies to protect yourself

✅ How to create your own economy

✅ Why saving for unexpected expenses is crucial

✅ How to create financial stability and get ready for retirement

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

[Ep 113] 

Feeling overwhelmed by budgeting, retirement planning, or managing money? In this episode, my guest Jackie Randall Lentz, a former mental health counselor turned life coach, chat about how to self-coach your way to financial confidence. We explore why personal finance is so important, how to plan effectively, and the best personal finance tools to take control of your future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to Self-Coach: Learn how your financial beliefs, formed as early as childhood, may be holding you back and how to rewrite those stories for a healthier money mindset.

✅ How to Plan Personal Finances Without the Overwhelm: Jackie shares strategies to break free from fear and self-doubt while creating a clear financial plan. 

✅ How Vision Impacts Confidence: Jackie and I explore how retirement isn’t just an “end” but an opportunity to step into something new and meaningful.

✅ Give Yourself Permission to Dream: We discuss why allowing yourself to envision possibilities beyond traditional retirement can open doors to greater fulfillment and financial security.

Connect with Jackie

Facebook

Pray, Play, and Get Paid Podcast

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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[Ep 112] 

Do you find yourself asking, Why do I keep spending money? or struggling to control your spending habits? In this episode, I dive into how to improve spending habits by aligning your money with your long-term goals. Learn why self-awareness is important, how to make intentional choices, to create a balance of spending now and preparing for retirement. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to Improve Spending Habits – By aligning with your long-term goals and current values, you will naturally improve your spending habits. 

✅ Why Self-Awareness Is Key for Controlling Spending Habits – Learn how to bring awareness to your spending by making mindful decisions and break free from impulsive purchases.

✅ Understand the Role of Spending – Learn the three areas of spending to better understand and be aware of your need to spend. 

✅ How to Control Spending Habits – From everyday purchases to big financial decisions, discover simple strategies to align spending with what truly matters.

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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In this episode, I am joined by Joseph Lombardi of Iron Hawk Financial. He shares his personal story to demonstrate why life insurance is important. He also educates us about whole life insurance as an investment, how it works, and the tax advantages. This isn’t a dry conversation about life insurance. Joseph is quite the entertainer! 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Learn about why life insurance is important from the guest personal life.

✅ Learn how much life insurance you may need as well as life insurance options.

✅ Learn the different long-term care strategies and how to protect your financial future.

✅ Learn about whole life insurance as an investment, tax advantages, and a tax deduction.

Connect with Joseph Lombardi

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Feeling overwhelmed about how to improve your finances? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down how to complete a personal finance audit in a simple, actionable way. No complicated spreadsheets are required. This personal finance audit is just one way to not only improve your personal finances but help you get ready for retirement. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 Learn how to categorize and track your expenses, from fixed bills to everyday spending like groceries, fuel, and entertainment. I’ll show you how to spot opportunities to improve your personal finance situation without feeling restricted.

🔹 Find out how to calculate your current savings percentage and why it’s a key indicator of financial stability. Plus, I’ll share a powerful mindset shift to help you balance saving for today while also preparing for your retirement.

🔹 Debt vs. Savings: I dive into the age-old debate of whether to save for retirement or pay off debt. Listen in as I share a real-life client scenario and how we determined the best approach for her financial situation and retirement goals.

If today’s episode sparks the need for deeper financial insight, I invite you to join my Retirement Ready VIP Session, where we take a detailed, personalized approach to your financial audit and create a clear plan forward.

Mentioned in This Episode:

🎧 Episode 30: Why Savings is the #1 Financial Habit

🎧 Episode 5: Should You Pay Off Debt or Save?

🎧 Episode 102: Redefining Your Debt Relationship and Taking Control For Retirement

If this episode helped you gain clarity on your finances, share it with a friend and leave a review. 

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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In this episode, Freddie Rappina, founder of Opta Financial, discusses the difference between two financial strategies: “checkers” and “chess.” He explains how traditional financial planning, which focuses on saving and debt reduction, is like playing checkers, while wealth-building through leveraging debt and investing in cash-flowing assets like real estate is akin to chess. 

What You’ll Learn

✅ The differences between conventional saving strategies and the more dynamic

✅ The crucial mindset shift needed to embrace using debt as a tool for building income-generating assets

✅ How real estate investments can help you play the game of chess to advance your wealth

Connect with Freddie

Book: https://playingthewealthgame.com/

Website: https://www.optafinancial.com/

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Feeling overwhelmed with retirement planning? This episode helps simplify the process by highlighting two key starting points. By focusing on these foundational pieces, you’ll gain clarity on where to begin and uncover the next steps to move forward with confidence.

This episode breaks down retirement planning by focusing on key areas like budgeting, spending, and saving while helping you define your financial independence number. It also highlights the importance of envisioning your ideal retirement lifestyle by incorporating your goals, hobbies, and daily activities. 

What You’ll Learn:

✅ The best place to start with retirement planning

✅ How your current financial situation shapes your retirement path

✅ How to assess and plan for your retirement expenses

✅ The impact of your lifestyle and goals on your retirement budget

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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In this podcast episode, estate and elder law attorney Asha Paulose discusses important steps in planning for aging parents' long-term care and financial needs. She emphasizes the importance of early and continuous conversations with parents and outlines critical legal documents like healthcare proxies and powers of attorney. 

Asha explains common mistakes families make, such as mishandling property transfers and joint accounts, and highlights the role of Medicare and Medicaid in covering long-term care costs. She also offers advice on leveraging legal expertise to ensure both parents' and caregivers' interests are protected.

What You’ll Learn From the Podcast:

✅ Why long-term care planning is an often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning 

✅ How to initiate difficult conversations with parents about aging and long-term care

✅ The key documents that families should have in place for protection

✅ Difference between Wills and Trusts

Whether you’re dealing with the complexities of long-term care planning or just starting the conversation, this episode provides valuable advice to help you protect your parents’ future and ensure their wishes are carried out.

Connect with Asha:

Website

Email: asha@ashapaulose.com

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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In today's episode, I’m sharing an inspiring success story of one of my amazing clients who transformed her financial life in just three months. She paid off $5,000 in debt, saved $2,500, and even started planning for travel. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and unsure how to balance debt payoff with saving, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The real reason budgeting alone isn’t enough

✅ How to balance saving while paying off debt

✅ The three key changes my client made that led to her financial success

✅ The importance of setting up a cash flow system that works for you

Action Steps:

If you feel like you’re doing all the right things but still not making financial progress, it might be time to look at what’s missing. Book a Retirement Ready VIP Session to get a clear picture of your financial situation and identify what adjustments can help you reach your goals.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 30: Why Savings is the #1 Habit for Financial Success

Questions: Schedule a free Q&A call

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Whether you’re childfree by choice or circumstance, guest Jay Zigmont shares the unique financial and life planning challenges for childfree individuals. He shares customized financial strategies that prioritize personal goals over traditional life scripts. Tune into this episode to understand the unique way to look at your finances, retirement, and death when life’s circumstances don’t fit the norm.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Rethinking retirement when leaving a legacy is not the end goal

✅ How and when to plan for long-term care

✅ How to select your medical decision-makers

Connect with Jay:

Email

Website

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

You’re ready to payoff debt and not sure if debt snowball or debt avalanche method is best. In this episode, I describe five (5) different strategies you could implement to become debt free. Listen in as I guide you through how to create your own debt payoff plan and be successful in becoming debt free before retirement.

What You’ll Learn: 

✅ Why does your debt continue to grow even with the efforts you’ve put in to paying it off?

✅ Choose the best strategy that fits you, your personality, and your goals best.

✅ Learn  how to achieve success by honing your focus and clarifying your “why.”

Resources Mentioned in Episode

Episode 007: Emergency Fund - The #1 Way to Eliminate Debt FAST

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Being generous doesn’t have to be just about money, and Alison Patterson agrees. Working as a philanthropic advisor, she helps individuals choose their best form of generosity to support their time, energy, and money in retirement. Listen in to learn what is generosity, and how to explore opportunities for you that best fit your values.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

✅ Philanthropy in Retirement: Discover how incorporating philanthropy into your retirement plan can enhance both your financial strategy and overall fulfillment.

✅ Find Your Why: Learn how to craft a generosity statement that reflects your core values, ensuring your giving is intentional and meaningful.

✅ Explore how curiosity can lead you to unexpected and impactful giving opportunities in your community and beyond.

Connect With Alison:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Debt is a part of financial life, but it doesn’t have to define you. In this episode, I dive deep into the reasons we accumulate debt, the emotional and financial weight it carries, and how to take back control. Through real client scenarios, we’ll explore common debt challenges and practical solutions. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on your debt relationship and actionable steps to create financial clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why we get into debt—unexpected expenses, major life changes, and financial habits

✅ How to shift your mindset and create a positive relationship with debt

✅ The importance of budgeting and tracking debt for financial confidence

✅ Three real-life client scenarios and their strategies for overcoming debt

✅ A simple action step: creating your personal debt awareness list

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Get a clear plan for retirement! Book your Retirement Strategy Session today and take the guesswork out of your future.

In this episode, I welcome therapist Lindsey Carnick to discuss managing stress, anxiety, and financial conversations within relationships. Lindsay, licensed in nine states and experienced in keynote speaking, offers insights on creating a safe space for financial discussions, understanding the emotional charge behind money conversations, and maintaining healthy communication habits. She shares practical tips and exercises for couples to foster connection and trust while addressing financial goals and individual spending preferences. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:06 Creating a Safe Space for Financial Discussions

06:35 Emotional Charge in Financial Conversations

11:05 Balancing Shared Goals and Individual Preferences

18:21 Habits for Healthy Communication

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Join the Savings Challenge Waitlist HERE 

In the milestone 100th episode, I share about my initial skepticism and gradual success, including reaching the top 5% globally in the education category. I further the most popular episodes, covering topics like cash flow management and retirement savings. Looking for support from my amazing listeners, I request feedback and reviews and announce plans for future guest episodes and a new Savings Academy. 

Listeners are encouraged to submit questions for upcoming Q&A episodes.

00:00 Welcome to the 100th Episode!

01:33 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

02:18 Launching the Podcast

04:16 Achieving Top 5% Globally

05:59 Expanding Content and Guest Episodes

08:14 Top 5 Episodes Revealed

13:43 Listener Engagement and Future Plans

The Top 5 Episodes

Ep 63 Why You Feel Broke and How to Manage Your Cash Flow Effectively

Ep 60 5 Steps to Becoming Your Own Financial Advisor

Ep 56 How To Bridge the Retirement Savings Gap - Strategies to Catch Up and Thrive

Ep 59 4 Simple Steps to Master Consistent Savings

Ep 78 | 3 Ways to Make Sure You're On Track to Retirement

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Get a clear plan for retirement! Book your Retirement Strategy Session today and take the guesswork out of your future. 

In this episode, my guest Jim Manning shares his journey from a Jesuit-educated insurance paperwork pusher to a mission-driven real estate investor. He shares his passion for transforming properties into homes, scaling his business using private lending, and the importance of prioritizing family and fulfillment over financial gain. 

Jim also offers insights on how investing in real estate can provide significant benefits compared to traditional stock market investments, and provides advice for prospective investors looking to achieve financial freedom. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:11 Jim Manning's Background and Early Career

00:44 Discovering Real Estate Investing

01:22 Scaling the Business with Private Lending

02:54 The Impact of Homeownership

03:43 Personal Reflections and Business Evolution

06:29 Balancing Family and Financial Freedom

09:40 Real Estate vs. Stock Market Investments

14:34 Lessons from a Self-Made Billionaire

18:42 Connecting with Jim Manning

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Download the Retirement Readiness Checklist now to take the first step toward a clear and confident retirement plan!

In the final part of the Retirement 101 series, the focus is on creating a fulfilling and meaningful retirement lifestyle. 

This episode includes practical advice on envisioning and planning great experiences, seasonal activities, and day-to-day routines that align with personal interests and goals. Emphasis is placed on the importance of planning ahead to avoid boredom and ensure a satisfying retirement. 

Additionally, the episode encourages testing out these experiences and creating a retirement budget to support the envisioned lifestyle.

01:09 Creating a Retirement Lifestyle You'll Love

03:06 Vision Exercise for Retirement

05:25 Seasonal Experiences in Retirement

07:17 Day-to-Day Planning for Retirement

13:02 Testing Your Retirement Plan

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your plan for a stress-free retirement today!

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of behavioral investing with Rick, a financial advisor from Dallas who specializes in helping people make smarter money decisions. But forget boring investment talk - this episode is all about understanding how our emotions and actions affect our financial success.

Think of it like sports: Having the best equipment helps, but what really matters is how you use it. Rick explains that the same goes for money - it's not just about picking good investments, but about sticking to your game plan even when things get tough.

Throughout the episode, Rick emphasizes that financial success isn't just about math - it's about building good habits and staying committed to your goals, even when it's challenging. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:27 Understanding Behavioral Investing

05:20 The Impact of Fear on Investing

10:20 Principles for Successful Long-Term Investing

15:05 Tax Management Strategies

18:26 Developing a Stronger Behavior-Based Approach

22:41 Final Thoughts and Action Steps

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Download the Retirement Readiness Checklist now to take the first step toward a clear and confident retirement plan!

In part three of the Retirement 101 series, the focus is on creating an estimated retirement budget. The episode guides listeners through important steps such as identifying recurring expenses, recognizing what costs will decrease post-retirement, and planning for new expenses like medical premiums. 

It also explains how to calculate your annual expenses and retirement savings gap. The importance of consistent retirement savings and strategies for auditing and simplifying current expenses to better align with retirement goals are discussed.

00:58 Recap of Parts One and Two

01:49 Preparing for Retirement: 2-3 Years Out

02:16 Creating an Estimated Retirement Budget

03:06 Understanding and Adjusting Expenses

08:01 Estimating Retirement Income

09:04 Defining Your Retirement Savings Gap

13:32 Strategies for Closing the Savings Gap

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

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Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your plan for a stress-free retirement today!

In this episode, Steve Selengut, a seasoned investor and income coach, shares his journey from growing up in an investment-oriented community to retiring with over $110 million under management. Steve emphasizes the importance of multiple income streams, the value of taking profits, and building an income-focused portfolio. 

Listeners will learn about the six principles of investing discussed in Steve's book 'Retirement Money Secrets' and gain actionable insights on how to assess and enhance their portfolios. Whether you're new to investing or looking to optimize your retirement income, Steve provides practical advice and strategies for achieving financial independence.

00:00 Introduction 

00:17 Early Investment Journey

01:32 Developing a Trading Strategy

02:56 Transition to Professional Management

05:09 Becoming an Income Coach

05:18 Income Independence Explained

07:08 Coaching Approach and Client Fit

11:19 Advice for Listeners

15:26 Book Overview and Key Principles

21:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Steve:

The Income Coach

Retirement Money Secrets Book

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your plan for a stress-free retirement today!

This episode is Part 2 of the retirement series and today we’re focusing on gaining clarity and confidence as you approach your retirement, specifically if you are five years away. I will discuss the importance of tackling high-interest debt, understanding risk tolerance, and resolving any fears or doubts you may have regarding retirement. 

Learn how to manage your debt, assess your risk tolerance, and create a positive relationship with your finances. This episode is part of a four-part series designed to help you prepare efficiently for retirement.

00:47 The Purpose of the Series

02:24 Gaining Clarity and Confidence

02:56 Tackling Debt Before Retirement

07:11 Assessing Risk Tolerance

11:10 Addressing Retirement Fears and Doubts

14:52 Continuous Learning and Growth

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Five Ways to Get Out of Debt Without Sacrificing The Joys of Life

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your plan for a stress-free retirement today!

Today’s guest interview is with David Kerlin, an expert on Medicare and health insurance, about his journey from a manufacturing career to becoming a trusted Medicare advisor. 

David shares his personal health transformation and his extensive experience in Medicare, addressing common misconceptions such as the belief that Medicare is free and explaining the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating individual medical needs, starting the Medicare enrollment process early, and consulting trusted advisors. 

00:25 David's Journey with Weight and Health

01:37 First Encounter with Medicare

02:38 Understanding Medicare Costs and Plans

04:47 Choosing the Right Medicare Plan

10:01 Open Enrollment and Plan Changes

12:24 Common Misconceptions and Advice

13:26 Navigating Medicare with Professional Help

Connect with David:

Facebook

Email David

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Let’s build the foundation your retirement dreams deserve, one step at a time.

This episode kicks off my brand new Retirement Planning Series, a four-part journey to help you move from financial uncertainty to a clear and confident path forward.

We’re starting with the essential first steps:

✅ Tracking your expenses

✅ Building an emergency fund

✅ Starting or growing your retirement savings

If you’ve ever wondered what are sinking funds, how to get started with retirement savings planning, or why tracking expenses matters so much, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through practical, doable actions to start building your retirement-ready foundation today.

Inside this episode, we’ll explore:

• Why tracking your expenses is non-negotiable for financial clarity
  
  
• The real answer to what are unexpected expenses and how to prepare
  
  
• How sinking funds can protect your future (and your peace of mind)
  
  
• Simple ways to begin or boost your retirement savings

Whether you’re just getting serious about retirement or you’re cleaning up your finances to make your dreams a reality, this episode is your starting line.

Press play and let’s simplify the first phase of your retirement savings planning.

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Download the Retirement Readiness Checklist now to take the first step toward a clear and confident retirement plan!


In this episode, I interview Lauren Klein, a trust and estates attorney, to uncover the intricacies of estate planning. My favorite part of the episode was when she shared how to take action. I think we overcomplicate everything about estate planning. This episode is for you if you’ve been meaning to take action.

Tune into the episode for expert guidance on protecting and managing your assets effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:57 Common Misconceptions in Trusts and Estates Planning

04:34 Key Considerations for Setting Up a Trust

07:55 Choosing the Right Person for Estate Roles

12:17 Managing Financial Gaps and Debts

17:23 Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes

20:15 Effective Communication with Family

23:53 How to Vet an Estate Planner and Getting Started

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

This episode is a re-release of episode 001 My Story & How I Was Able to Retire Early at 50.

In this episode, I share my personal money journey about how I was able to retire at the age of 50 and eventually became a financial coach. 

My journey story starts with me sharing about my ‘aha moment’ at age 35 realizing the possibility and then how I navigated my retirement journey to make it possible. A few highlights of the journey and turning points were paying for college, aiding family, navigating financial challenges, and ultimately finding their passion in helping others achieve financial wellness through coaching. 

00:36 The Aha Moment

02:17 Early Career and Education

06:21 Pursuing Higher Education

08:55 Financial Challenges and Strategies

12:45 Retirement Decisions

15:48 Becoming a Money Coach

18:40 Entrepreneurship Journey

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

In this episode, I dive into the importance of reflection and forward planning. As Gen Xers edge closer to retirement, surveys highlight a widespread lack of preparedness within our generation. Together, we’ll explore how reflecting on past achievements, learning from challenges, and setting meaningful goals can pave the way for a fulfilling and secure future.

Learn the importance of creating a retirement dream that includes great experiences, seasonal activities, and everyday plans. 

Be sure to download the retirement readiness checklist and tune in for an upcoming series to support action with this list!

00:40 Gen Xers Approaching Retirement

02:39 Challenges in Retirement Planning

04:27 Reflecting on the Past Year

07:12 Projecting for the New Year

11:43 Creating Your Wealth Dream

16:49 Here We Come 2025

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

In this episode of the Wealthy After 40 podcast, my guest is Noelle Fowler, a holistic declutter coach. She specializes in helping busy women simplify their lives by addressing the root causes of clutter. 

She shares her journey from organizing during the pandemic to becoming a professional organizer and eventually a decluttering coach. Touching on topics such as sentimental items, downsizing, and the importance of starting small, Noelle provides actionable advice for managing clutter. 

The episode also highlights the benefits of her Making Room Membership, an online community for women seeking to declutter their homes and make room for what matters most.

01:02 Noelle's Journey to Decluttering

03:39 First Steps to Decluttering

05:35 Handling Sentimental Items

15:09 Downsizing and Decluttering

24:13 Membership and Final Thoughts

Be sure to connect with Noelle!

Instagram

Other Resources

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

In this episode of the Wealthy After 40 podcast, my guest Erin Thompson, a financial freedom architect, shares her inspiring story of overcoming significant debt twice and offers insights on developing effective financial habits. 

Erin also delves into how she got into day trading and shares the basics of “safe” day trading with us. She emphasizes the importance of education, proper planning, and controlled risk. She highlights how day trading can be a viable path to financial growth for individuals looking for flexible, home-based financial strategies, particularly appealing to introverts and those with analytical minds.

00:36 Erin's Financial Freedom Journey

01:29 Overcoming Debt Challenges

03:48 The Concept of Budget Parties

04:41 Introduction to Day Trading

10:12 Day Trading for Beginners

13:34 Who Should Consider Day Trading?

21:03 Balancing Day Trading with Life

Be sure to connect with Erin!

Instagram

Penny Grower Group

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

In this episode, I share the transformative journey of a client who initially struggled with shame and guilt around her spending habits. Having successfully saved her retirement nest egg, she was struggling with the fear of outspending that money. Her challenges: lack of organization with her money creating greater disconnect with money.

The discussion outlines the process of understanding her financial status, creating a budget tailored to her lifestyle, and implementing a values-based spending exercise. Through structured coaching and personalized financial strategies, the client transitioned from anxiety to empowerment, learning to align her spending with her life values and confidently manage her finances. 

01:41 Understanding Budgeting Challenges

04:18 Creating a Personalized Budget and Cash Flow System

06:05 Addressing Shame and Guilt Around Spending

07:38 Implementing Values-Based Spending

10:47 Empowering Financial Decisions and Stability

15:58 Action Steps for Viewers

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

In this episode, I share all about my signature program, the Financial Freedom Accelerator. A 90-day coaching program designed to help you transform your retirement dreams into reality with financial confidence and purpose. 

I share all the benefits and features within the coaching container, specifically the program’s four key pillars: Dream Builder, Financial Strength, Retirement Roadmap, and Acceleration. 

This holistic approach not only addresses financial planning but also emphasizes the importance of a fulfilling and joyful retirement. 

00:52 Overview of the Financial Freedom Accelerator

01:54 The Importance of Retirement Beyond Finances

02:43 Creating a Fulfilling Retirement Plan

04:52 The Four Pillars of Retirement Mastery

07:27 Details of the Financial Freedom Accelerator Program

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

This episode is about the importance of creating a personal ‘why’ for retirement and defining it with such clarity that you can’t help but focus on making it become a reality.

The episode shares personal experiences of setting retirement goals, working with clients to achieve financial freedom, and addressing gaps in traditional retirement planning that focus solely on money. 

01:28 Understanding the Importance of Your 'Why'

02:02 My Personal Journey to Retirement

04:51 Identifying Gaps in Retirement Planning

06:43 The Four Pillars of Retirement Planning

09:40 Action Steps to Create Your 'Why'

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!


In this episode, I welcome guest, Christopher Hensley, a financial advisor with over two decades of experience, to discuss the complexities of Social Security. 

We discuss factors affecting the best time to start claiming benefits, special considerations for those with pensions, and strategies for integrating Social Security into an overall retirement plan. 

Christopher also dispels common misconceptions about Social Security's future and provides actionable advice for maximizing benefits. Listeners are encouraged to save diligently and plan for a secure retirement.

00:38 Understanding Social Security Benefits

01:06 Strategies for Claiming Social Security

02:11 Special Cases and Exceptions

03:12 Widow's Benefits and Survivor Strategies

04:37 Maximizing Social Security Benefits

08:59 Common Misconceptions About Social Security

12:28 Working After Retirement Age

15:49 Windfall Elimination and Government Pension Offset

20:38 Integrating Social Security into Retirement Plans

23:04 Final Thoughts and How to Connect


Connect with Christopher:

linkedin.com/in/christopher-hensley-9584449

Websites

• houstonfirstfinancialgroup.com 
• moneymatterspodcast.com 

Book your complimentary Retirement Vision Session!

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!


In this episode, I discuss the importance of saving for retirement and how to ensure you have enough money when you retire. 

This episode outlines practical steps to manage money, eliminate unnecessary expenses, and build a robust saving habit. I also highlight the importance of having an emergency fund, paying down debt, and preparing for unforeseen expenses like inflation or job loss. 

Listeners are encouraged to start small, prove the ability to save consistently before delving into more complex investment strategies and take actionable steps today to secure their financial future.

00:53 Immediate Steps to Start Saving

01:00 The Importance of Employer Match

01:48 Challenges and Misconceptions About Saving

03:41 The Right Approach to Managing Money

06:39 Benefits of Saving

15:35 Steps to Build a Stable Financial Future

Mentioned in this episode:

All About Savings Podcast Playlist

Book your complimentary Retirement Vision Session!

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!


In this episode, the host explores the secret to budgeting success—a consistent money routine. Listeners struggling to make their budgets work will discover how a structured approach to money management can transform their finances.  

A money routine is about more than just paying bills; it’s a weekly commitment to actively manage your finances.

Listen to this episode to learn practical tips for personalizing these routines, making them enjoyable, and ensuring they align with financial goals. 

02:08 The Importance of a Money Routine

04:01 Steps to Create a Money Routine

05:24 Real-Life Client Example

08:16 Create Check-In Times

08:33 Stay on Top of Spending

10:08 Make It Fun and Comfortable

11:03 Build a Money Routine

11:34 Commit to Your Financial Goals

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

During this guest episode, I am lucky to interview Alexandra Dotcheva, who shares her transformative journey from an immigrant violinist to a financially independent real estate investor. She discusses the challenges she faced during the 2008 financial crisis, the pivotal shift to a nursing career for stability, and achieving financial success through disciplined real estate investments. 

Tune in for insights on overcoming financial struggles, managing risks, and long-term goal focusing, along with an overview of the guest's coaching services and book.

00:06 Immigrant Journey and Financial Struggles

06:12 Strategies for Paying Off Debt

11:45 The Importance of Financial Goals

12:07 Coaching on Financial Discipline

12:26 Understanding Good and Bad Debt

13:14 Building Financial Habits and Mindset

Connect with Alexandra:

On her website Holistic Self Confidence

Facebook

YouTube

Check out her book on Amazon

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!


In this episode, I discuss the emotions tied to spending and their impact on not only achieving financial goals, but making impactful decisions. I share a client story demonstrating the importance of identifying personal values to forge a positive relationship with money. 

You will learn practical tips like aligning purchases with their values and managing credit card balances to ease financial stress. Actionable steps are given to help shift from guilt-ridden spending to valuing what you spend.

00:00 Introduction to Spending Emotions

01:17 Client's Spending Struggles

04:38 Shifting Spending Perspectives

07:55 Overcoming Self-Criticism in Financial Decisions

09:05 Building Motivation Through Defining Values

10:35 Aligning Spending with Your Values

13:10 Exploring Financial Purpose and Goals

15:47 Align Spending with Values for a Guilt-Free Life

Episode 68 - How My Client Learned To Spend More On Herself

The Retirement Vault

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!


To have a happy and successful retirement takes more than just enough money. In this episode, I discuss three common retirement gaps that could lead to disappointment and boredom in retirement. Beyond the financial side, it’s essential to plan for your dreams, desires, goals, and hobbies. These gaps can greatly impact the quality of your retirement, and addressing them now will help shape a fulfilling and secure future.

00:00 Introduction to Retirement Planning

00:54 The Importance of a Clear Retirement Vision

02:08 Planning Activities for a Fulfilling Retirement

07:35 Understanding the Financial Impact of Retirement Goals

10:47 The Need for Adequate Cash Savings

13:28 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

The Retirement Vault

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!


Will I run out of money in retirement? It’s a question many people ask in one form or another. In today’s episode, I explore why this question lingers in your mind and how you can shift your thinking to trust that you’ll be financially secure. We’ll dive into how your past financial behaviors may be fueling this fear, and more importantly, the steps you can take to break free from that mindset, empowering you to step confidently into a successful retirement.

00:27 Client Story: Facing Retirement Fears

04:11 Common Concerns: Is It Going to Be Enough?

07:25 Defining Your Retirement Vision

09:29 Connecting Vision to Finances

10:37 Client Success Story: Shifting Beliefs

11:55 Take Action: Make Retirement Possible

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Retirement Readiness Checklist

Free Retirement Vision Session

Financial Freedom Accelerator

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.

Join the Financial Freedom Accelerator and create your personalized roadmap to retirement!

In this episode, I explore the common reasons why people hesitate to invest in themselves and share the story of a client who waited five years before taking action, highlighting the significant impact of that delay. I also dive into the concept of opportunity cost, the advantages of compound interest, and strategies for managing debt.

Additionally, I explain how financial coaching can offer clarity, create structured plans, and build the confidence needed to help you reach your financial goals.

00:00 Introduction: Why Do We Delay Getting Help?

00:29 Common Reasons for Delaying Self-Investment

01:06 The Financial Concerns of Investing in Yourself

02:07 Client Story: Overcoming Financial Delays

04:06 Understanding Opportunity Cost

08:08 The Benefits of Financial Coaching

Mentioned in Episode:

Financial Freedom Accelerator

Budget Breakthrough Call

Are you ready to stop hoping it all works out and start creating a clear plan for your retirement?

Message me on Instagram for details, or book your Retirement Strategy Session now.