Category: Finances

Do I Have to Use a Realtor to Sell My Home? With Jules Hicks (Ep. 10)

Do I Have to Use a Realtor to Sell My Home? With Jules Hicks (Ep. 10)

As retirement inches closer, it is important to consider your living situation and what your most desired outcome will look like once you are in your golden years. 

In this episode, Eric Blake is joined by Jules Hicks, co-founder of Aunt Ida’s House. They discuss how Aunt Ida’s House helps seniors sell their homes quickly when transitioning into assisted living or nursing communities. 

Jules explains their process of buying houses for cash, conducting thorough inspections, and working with contractors to prepare the homes for the market. She also shares a heartwarming story of a family they were able to help and how it inspired her passion in this field. 

Eric and Jules discuss: 

  • How Aunt Ida’s House helps seniors sell their homes quickly
  • The origin story of Aunt Ida’s House
  • The sped up closing process in times of need
  • How Aunt Ida’s House ensures the cleanliness and functionality of every house they offer their clients 
  • And more

 

Resources:

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Mind Over Money: Emotionally Smart Financial Planning with Jeannie Dougherty (Ep. 9)

Mind Over Money: Emotionally Smart Financial Planning with Jeannie Dougherty (Ep. 9)

Calling all women looking to up their financial literacy! 

In this episode, Eric Blake is joined by Jeannie Dougherty, a money and mental fitness guide, who shares her insights on the impact of money-related problems on mental health. Jeannie emphasizes the need for emotional and behavioral coaching in addition to traditional financial planning. The episode also highlights the challenges financial advisors face in addressing the emotional needs of clients and the importance of effective communication. Jeannie introduces her 90-day bootcamp concept and a virtual caregiver conference that focuses on the interconnected aspects of caregiving. 

Eric and Jeannie discuss: 

  • The impact of money-related problems on one’s life and mental health
  • Importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of financial planning, especially for women in unequal financial relationships
  • Challenges financial advisors face in addressing the emotional aspects of retirement planning
  • Importance of women taking an active role in their financial decisions and “winning money power”
  • Role of financial advisors as the “quarterback” in helping clients make important financial decisions
  • And more

 

Resources:

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Connect with Jeannie: 

About our Guest: 

As a determined woman ready to positively impact the world, Jeannie Dougherty continues to help people from all walks of life. She is a coveted counselor, certified money coach, mental fitness coach, speaker, and the founder of a virtual Caregiver Conference that addresses both sides of the equation the caregiver and their families.

She graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Ottawa University. She graduated from the prestigious Money Coaching Institute as a Certified Money Coach for Individuals, Couples, and Businesses. She’s passionate about her area of expertise, and Jeannie set forth on her quest to do great things.

Moreover, she works with businesses, individuals, and couples to help them find better ways to reach their goals. Over the years, her efforts have earned her a reputation among clients who are ever eager to vouch for her holistic services.

She graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Ottawa University. She graduated from the prestigious Money Coaching Institute as a Certified Money Coach for Individuals, Couples, and Businesses. She is also a former Federal Retirement Readiness professional. She’s passionate about her area of specialty, and Jeannie set forth on her quest to do great things. Evidently, her perspective on life is simple, and she’s wholly gentle in her approach to the clients. That’s precisely why her customer base continues to grow today.

You see, both of her parents passed away from Alzheimer’s. She spent 11 years of her adult life being a caregiver, dealing with financial and healthcare decisions with her family and their providers.

Her parents’ financial journeys were different, as well as how their diseases manifested. Jeannie understands why lots of folks who become caregivers overnight have their money-handling skills and financial psychology shifts.

The subconscious mind doesn’t see you as a balanced caregiver with a plan or as a balanced individual with multiple plates: family, work, health, and self. The subconscious sees you as someone in the middle of a crisis and not as a balanced person managing your life and the unexpected events that come and go. That’s why your identity shifts into a place of the uncomfortable unknown. This is why the money trauma can manifest what may feel like overnight and is tough to shake off later.

Jeannie is here to help you do more than just get back on track. She will show you how to navigate the road to your dream life.

Unlocking Your Home’s Potential with a Reverse Mortgage (Ep. 8)

Unlocking Your Home’s Potential with a Reverse Mortgage (Ep. 8)

Who says you can’t teach an old house new tricks?

In this episode, Eric Blake welcomes Mary Robb, Reverse Mortgage Specialist from Mutual of Omaha. Together, they’ll peel back the layers on what reverse mortgages really are, and how they differ from the traditional mortgage we’re all familiar with. From surprising financial strategies to how this could be a game-changer for aging in place, this episode is a must-listen! 

Throughout this episode, Eric and Mary discuss:

  • The unexpected financial perks of a Reverse Mortgage
  • How a Reverse Mortgage can help seniors remain in their homes longer, and even fund better-quality assisted living arrangements
  • Why Financial Advisors are warming to the idea of reverse mortgages as a strategic asset management tool
  • How to use a Reverse Mortgage for purchasing a home, giving seniors more freedom in choosing where to age
  • And more!

Resources:

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About our Guest: 

Mary Robb is a Reverse Mortgage Loan Originator with Mutual of Omaha. Mary’s been a force in real estate since 2011, but she dialed in on reverse mortgages in 2017 because she saw our seniors deserved better. With a background in Social Work, she’s always been about helping people help themselves. She even detoured into credit repair, winning numerous awards in just a few short years.  Today, she shares her passion for debunking myths about reverse mortgages. She’s a board member at the Ft. Worth Mortgage Bankers Association and an expert at Mutual of Omaha, where they offer home equity solutions. 

 

Unlocking the Secrets to a Healthy and Vibrant Retirement with Kim Lee (Ep. 7)

Unlocking the Secrets to a Healthy and Vibrant Retirement with Kim Lee (Ep. 7)

In this thought-provoking episode, our special guest eloquently underscores a profound truth: one person indeed has the ability to bring about monumental change in another’s world.

Joining us in this engaging dialogue is personal trainer, Kim Lee. She is united with our host, Eric Blake, by their shared clientele—women on the cusp of, or already enjoying, retirement who are primed for a life-changing transformation. Their clients are individuals shaped by life’s experiences and transitions, now seeking valuable guidance.

Kim candidly shares her personal journey, transitioning from the field of law enforcement to her calling as a personal trainer. She emphasizes her unwavering commitment to her mission: to uplift and empower others.

Eric and Kim discuss: 

  • The distinct challenges faced by women in managing their health and wellness during the twilight of their careers.
  • The essential role that dedicated self-care time plays in a healthy lifestyle.
  • How Kim strategizes to ensure her health remains a priority in her retirement years.
  • The remarkable influence a nurturing community can impart during the later stages of life.
  • Plus, a lot more insightful discussions!

 

Resources:

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Connect with our Guest: 

About our Guest: 

Kim Lee, a dedicated Certified Personal Trainer for the past 8 years, is currently operating as an Independent Contractor at the Hidden Gym nestled in Allen, Texas. Alongside her professional pursuits, she cherishes her role as a loving wife and mother to two wonderful grown children. Her fervor for promoting both physical and mental health is unmistakable and deeply embedded in her work. She firmly believes in the power of small, consistent steps, emphasizing that they collectively pave the way for monumental change.

Navigating the Financial Labyrinth: Why the Right Questions Can Save Your Retirement (Ep. 6)

Navigating the Financial Labyrinth: Why the Right Questions Can Save Your Retirement (Ep. 6)

Ever wondered if you’re just one question away from safeguarding your retirement? Dive in and discover the power of asking the RIGHT questions.

In this episode, Eric Blake delves deep into the maze of retirement distribution planning. Every decision, every distribution, has consequences—some of which you might not see coming. With retirement assets on the line, do you have the assurance that you’re asking the right questions?

Tune in as Eric discusses:

  • The ever-evolving world of tax laws and the intricacies of beneficiary designations: Are you updated?
  • Trusting your financial advisor: The pivotal questions to ask and strategies to keep you ahead of the curve.
  • Navigating the vast ocean of retirement planning: Knowing where to cast your net for the right answers. And much more!

Step into an enlightening conversation that not only highlights the importance of expertise but also equips you with the tools to safeguard your financial future. Don’t miss out!

 

Resources:

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What Are Your Investing Principles? (Ep. 5)

What Are Your Investing Principles? (Ep. 5)

Ladies, have you ever wondered what sets apart financially empowered women from the rest? Picture this: the key to unlocking your financial potential lies in a captivating parallel that resonates with your daily lives—a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Just as an apple a day keeps the doctor away, did you know that monitoring and nurturing your investments can empower you with long-term financial success?

In this episode, Eric Blake reveals the secrets to harnessing the true potential of your investments. Prepare to be inspired as Eric emphasizes the vital importance of having a clear-cut plan, aligning your investments with your unique financial purpose and goals. But that’s not all.

In this episode, Eric discusses: 

  • The profound significance of considering the time horizon for your investments and, most importantly, staying steadfast, even amidst the unpredictable tides of market volatility
  • Why you should avoid making emotional investing decisions based on short term fluctuations in the market 
  • What portfolio management costs look like and the upkeep that it may have 
  • The importance of finding a financial advisor who understands retirement income planning
  • …And so much more!

 

Resources:

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What are Your Financial Planning Principles? (Ep. 4)

What are Your Financial Planning Principles? (Ep. 4)

Are you on the path to crafting a robust financial roadmap for your retirement, but feeling unsure about where to concentrate your efforts?

In this episode, Eric Blake discusses the importance of financial planning principles with a focus on the need for a financial plan to define success and pursue goals, especially for women in transition or ready to take control of their financial future.

Eric discusses: 

  • Some of the challenges of discovering a dependable financial advisor 
  • The significance of engaging a planner-focused professional, rather than someone solely driven by product sales 
  • The adaptive nature of financial planning 
  • The art of preparedness for unforeseen events and effectively managing risk
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

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Preparing for Retirement: Seven Essential Strategies for Successful Investing in Retirement (Ep. 3)

Preparing for Retirement: Seven Essential Strategies for Successful Investing in Retirement (Ep. 3)

Investment planning is only one part of creating a successful retirement. What you want is to create a secure investment plan that will protect your retirement income and ensure you reach your retirement goals.

In this episode, Eric Blake focuses on investment planning for retirement. He shares tips and insight on securing a retirement income that will survive no matter what the market throws at it and ensure a successful financial future.

Eric discusses: 

  • How retirement planning has changed over the past few decades
  • The seven essential strategies for a successful investment during retirement
  • How the division of asset types impacts investment success
  • Why tax planning is critical to increasing the income kept after withdrawing from a retirement account
  • And more

 

Resources:

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The Simply Retirement Roadmap™ Process (Ep. 2)

The Simply Retirement Roadmap™ Process (Ep. 2)

Planning for retirement is an essential part of our financial journey, but it can be daunting and uncertain at times.

That is when working with experts may be an ideal option, but it’s crucial to have clear details of how the process will be.

In this episode, Eric Blake introduces the Simply Retirement Roadmap process. The process aims to simplify retirement planning and alleviate one’s future concerns. Eric details every stage of the process and the topics discussed in each interaction. Additionally, he explains the benefits of working with Blake Wealth Management and the importance of creating a long-term relationship.

Eric discusses: 

  • The concept of Simply Retirement and the origins of the Simply Retirement Roadmap Process
  • The Simply Retirement Process and how it alleviates concerns about working with a financial advisor
  • The purpose and content of the first meeting
  • The second meeting where Eric presents a roadmap with specific recommendations for improving financial position and achieving retirement goals
  • The four key areas of retirement planning
  • The three key questions in retirement planning
  • The implementation process and decision-making steps after creating a retirement plan
  • And more!

 

Resources:

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Introducing The Simply Retirement Podcast: Meet Host Eric Blake (Ep. 1)

Introducing The Simply Retirement Podcast: Meet Host Eric Blake (Ep. 1)

Are you ready to step into the realm of retirement planning and financial guidance?

Introducing the Simply Retirement Podcast!

Prepare to be captivated by the captivating inaugural episode of the Simply Retirement Podcast! Join us as Eric Blake, a seasoned financial planning expert, shares his extraordinary journey and invaluable background in the realm of finance. Brace yourself for an intimate glimpse into the challenges he encountered during his early years as a financial advisor and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.

Unveiling his unwavering passion for retirement income planning, Eric sheds light on the paramount significance of comprehending social security benefits and how it can shape our financial destinies. But that’s not all—prepare to be inspired as he reveals his personal hobbies and his resolute commitment to assisting individuals, particularly women, in navigating their financial endeavors with confidence and success.

In this episode Eric discusses: 

  • How retirement income planning positively impacts his clients and the importance of financial organization during this crucial stage of life
  • His passion for helping women achieve retirement, especially those who have gone through a divorce or have been widowed
  • Exploring the potential benefits of Social Security and its transformative impact on your financial future
  • The significant influence a skilled financial advisor can have on their clients and their families’ lives
  • Unraveling the three essential elements of the retirement puzzle, masterfully pieced together by Eric
  • A sneak peek into the meticulous process employed by Blake Wealth Management when working with prospective clients
  • And more!

 

Resources:

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