Category: Financial Planning

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Why You Need an Estate Plan With Chris Downs (Ep. 18)

Why You Need an Estate Plan With Chris Downs (Ep. 18)

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Are you prepared for the unexpected?

Confronting fears isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a critical aspect of financial and estate planning. This is the central theme of today’s discussion, where host Eric Blake, joined by esteemed estate planning attorney Christene “Chris” Downs, dive deep into the unique challenges and essential strategies needed for successful retirement and estate planning.

Key Highlights:

  • Untangling Estate Planning: Chris Downs simplifies complex estate planning concepts and emphasizes their importance
  • Estate Planning for All: Whether widowed, divorced, or single by choice, learn the critical role of estate planning in securing financial futures
  • Beyond the Will: Explore key aspects often overlooked in estate planning, such as incapacity planning and the power of decision-making delegation
  • Avoiding Unintended Consequences: Understand how an effective estate plan prevents scenarios like ex-spouses unintentionally remaining beneficiaries
  • Intentional Asset Distribution: Insights into the pitfalls of dying intestate and the value of deliberate asset allocation in accordance with one’s wishes
  • Powers of Attorney Explained: A deep dive into the significance of Statutory Durable and Medical Powers of Attorney in managing personal and health affairs
  • Living Wills and Beneficiary Designations: Clarifying the role of living wills and how to align beneficiary designations with your broader estate plan
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Chris (Christene) Downs: 

About Chris:

Chris’s motto is “Be Kind” & her motto defines how she practices law. 

Attorney Christene “Chris” Krupa Downs is an attorney at Krupa Downs Law, PLLC in Plano, Texas. Chris focuses her practice on wills, trusts, advance directives, estate planning, guardianships, and probate. She has 13 years of legal experience handling estate planning, probate & guardianship legal matters for clients in Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano and throughout Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties. 

In addition to her practice, Chris writes and lectures for local and state bar associations, and at legal seminars. She is a member of various professional organizations, including the Collin County Bar Association, the Dallas Bar Association, and the Texas Bar College. She is also active in the State Bar of Texas and served on the Computer and Technology Section Council.

As part of giving back to the Texas community, Chris serves on the board of the Wellness Center for Older Adults, an organization addressing the needs and concerns of Collin County’s older adult population and is treasurer of the Women’s Auxiliary to Plano Children’s Medical Center. She also serves on the board of the Junior League of Collin County as Community Strategic Director and is a former Treasurer and Executive Vice President of the organization. In 2022, Chris was recognized with the Athena Award by the Plano Chamber of Commerce and the Community Service by a Woman Lawyer award by the Collin County Women Lawyers Association.

Chris lives in Plano with her husband, David Downs.

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Financially Fearless Women with Barb Provost and Maggie Nielsen (Ep. 17)

Financially Fearless Women with Barb Provost and Maggie Nielsen (Ep. 17)

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Ladies, have you ever considered the unique aspects of your finances?

Today’s dialogue sheds new light on the critical topic of women’s financial empowerment. Eric Blake welcomes Dr. Barb Provost and Maggie Nielsen, founders of Purse Strings, to explore the critical topic of women’s financial empowerment. Together, they uncover the unique financial challenges faced by women and emphasize the importance of adopting a “financially fearless” approach.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Systemic Challenges: Addressing the pink tax, wage gaps, and the additional caregiving responsibilities that disproportionately affect women
  • Becoming Financially Fearless: The need for women to engage in proactive financial planning and decision-making
  • Industry Critique: A look at how the financial services industry’s male-centric models fail women, and the urgent need for female-focused financial education and services
  • Proactive Financial Planning: The importance of women taking charge of their financial planning, especially as they approach retirement
  • Purse Strings – A Vital Resource: The discussion showcases Purse Strings as an essential tool for financial literacy, connecting women with vetted financial professionals
  • Diverse Financial Professionals: The wide range of professionals available through Purse Strings, catering to the varied financial needs of women
  • Overcoming Financial Barriers: Strategies for overcoming financial shame and insecurity, empowering women to use money as a tool for achieving dreams and impacting the community
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Barb Provost: 

About Barb Provost:

Barb Provost, founder of Purse Strings, has over 20 years of experience as a financial industry consultant. Recognizing the industry’s neglect of women’s financial needs, especially after her own divorce and observations of older women in the workforce, she established Purse Strings. Barb’s mission is to empower women financially, drawing on her extensive research and her Doctorate in Adult Learning and Higher Education. With international experience in countries like Nigeria and India, she aims to equip women with the resources and knowledge for financial independence and security.

Connect with Maggie Nielsen: 

About Maggie Nielsen: 

Maggie Nielsen, with an MBA and experience working alongside Barb Provost, recognized the financial industry’s tendency to overlook and underserve women. Determined to challenge this status quo, she became a driving force behind Purse Strings. Maggie has facilitated over 300 live sessions with financial professionals, focusing on foundational knowledge, real-life stories, and practical tips. Her mission is to empower women with the financial savvy needed to make informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Maggie’s efforts aim to ensure women confidently engage with finance, making choices that enrich their lives. She takes pride in Purse Strings’ role in shaping the financial futures of generations of women, advocating for financial independence and self-determined living.

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How to Think Your Way to Prosperity with Ellen Rogin (Ep. 16)

How to Think Your Way to Prosperity with Ellen Rogin (Ep. 16)

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Could your inner wisdom be the key to unlocking financial prosperity? 

Dive into this engaging episode of “Simply Retirement” with host Eric Blake, as he joins forces with Ellen Rogin, a visionary in the world of financial intuition. Ellen, acclaimed for her innovative approach to finance, sheds light on how tapping into your intuitive sense can profoundly influence your financial choices and lead to a more abundant life.

Key Highlights:

  • The transformative power of financial intuition and its real-world applications
  • How women can overcome hesitations in trusting their financial intuition
  • The life-altering shift from scarcity to abundance mindsets in finance
  • Ellen’s unique blend of conventional financial wisdom and intuitive insights
  • Practical strategies for cultivating a positive money mindset: Awareness, Clarity, Care, and Sharing
  • The vital role of meditation and mindfulness in savvy financial decision-making
  • Harnessing journaling and visualization as tools for achieving financial dreams
  • Ellen’s insights on setting goals with purpose and passion
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Ellen Rogin: 

About Ellen Rogin: 

Ellen Rogin is an authority on money and a financial intuitive who helps people reshape their relationships with money so they can live happier, more abundant lives. She’s the author of several books, including the New York Times Bestseller, Picture Your Prosperity, and her newest book, Messages from Money: How to Stress Less, Prosper More and Reshape Your Relationship to Money, and her work has been featured on CNBC, ABC, NPR, TIME, and Oprah Magazine.

As a CPA and CFP®, Ellen worked for many years as a traditional financial advisor before selling her successful wealth management firm. She now combines her intuitive abilities and financial experience to connect with the energy of money and deliver “Messages from Money” to her clients. 

Ellen’s consultations help people gain insights on how to grow their businesses, expand their wealth, and bring an increased sense of peace around money. She is also a sought-after speaker and consultant and has trained thousands of conscious financial advisors and entrepreneurs worldwide to use the “Art of Prosperity” to grow their businesses and their wealth.

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Unveiling the Secrets to a Truly Successful Retirement for Women (Ep. 15)

Unveiling the Secrets to a Truly Successful Retirement for Women (Ep. 15)

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What if there’s much more to women’s retirement planning than you ever imagined? 

We’ve got some surprises in store for you.

Join us for a captivating episode of the Simply Retirement podcast with host Eric Blake, as he dives into the nuances of retirement planning specifically for women. Joined by Dr. Karen Midyet, a renowned clinical psychologist specializing in retirement and aging, they dissect the intricate blend of financial and emotional elements crucial to a woman’s retirement journey.

Episode Highlights:

  • Uncover the art of building vibrant social networks post-retirement
  • Learn how activities like pickleball and community engagement can transform socializing in retirement
  • Explore how educational pursuits, from online to university-level, can reinvent your retirement experience
  • Dive into Dr. Midyet’s innovative approach to mental, physical, and nutritional wellness for retirees
  • Understand why planning in your 50s is pivotal for a fulfilling retirement
  • Realize your retirement dreams with the power of personalized coaching
  • Plus, much more insightful content!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Karen Midyet: 

About our Guest: 

Dr. Karen L. Midyet, Psy.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and Retirement and Aging Coach with a career spanning over 45 years. Specializing in life, career, retirement, and aging, she operates from the Denver metro area but extends her services remotely to clients across the US and Canada.

Karen is the visionary behind Coaching Aging Adults, LLC, a practice dedicated to assisting aging clients in developing life purpose and addressing issues related to isolation and loss. She also conducts workshops, online courses, and retreats to assist older adults as they prepare for retirement, facilitating emotional adjustment and planning for their Next Act, be it an Encore Career, volunteering, or grandparenting.

Dr. Midyet’s mental health practice aids adults coping with life transitions, emotional problems, acute or chronic medical illnesses, and personal issues related to traumatic events or family history. She also consults with mental health professionals and facilities on best practices for aging adults. She contributed significantly in her roles as President of Colorado Professional Psychological Group and Chief Psychologist at the Institute of Motivational Development, providing invaluable consultation, supervision, and clinical training in diverse areas such as underachievement, stress management, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. She also was past President of the Psychology Group and on the Board for Bethesda Psychiatric Hospital during its transition to Health One. 

As a forerunner in her field, Karen’s multifaceted approach and innovative techniques have enabled profound personal growth and enhanced well-being among her clients, Her methodologies and client-centered approach position her as a thought leader, with her insights being highly sought after for consultation and podcasts.

Beyond her extensive professional pursuits, Karen is deeply passionate about fostering a balanced and enriching lifestyle and continues to be a beacon of inspiration and support to many aspiring to navigate the complexities of aging and retirement effectively.

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Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security (Ep. 14)

Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security (Ep. 14)

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As Elananor Roosevelt once said; “A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living, I think”. 

In this episode, Eric Blake discusses important aspects of Social Security benefits specifically for women who are looking to financial plan and navigate their portfolios. He covers topics such as social security filing strategies, the three keys to a successful retirement for women, eligibility requirements for benefits, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, the impact of age on benefits, and challenges faced by business owners in saving for retirement.

Eric discusses: 

  • Social security as a guaranteed retirement income source that increases annually
  • Eligibility requirements for Social Security retirement benefits
  • Spousal benefits and eligibility based on spouse’s or ex-spouse’s work history
  • Filing benefits off of a spouse’s work history does not reduce benefits for the higher earning spouse
  • Choosing benefits if married multiple times for at least ten years each
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

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Transforming Dementia Care Through Doll Therapy: The Story Behind The Grand Baby Project (Ep. 38)

Transforming Dementia Care Through Doll Therapy: The Story Behind The Grand Baby Project (Ep. 38)

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Do you know someone affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or are you seeking innovative ways to provide care and comfort? 

In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake is joined by Mary Greer to delve into the power of dementia doll therapy through The Grand Baby Project. 

This discussion highlights the compassionate approach to offering non-pharmaceutical behavioral adjustments for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, offering a unique perspective on retaining dignity and joy in later stages of life.

By tuning in, you’ll gain insight into how this project aims to bring comfort to those in need, ensuring everyone who benefits from this therapy can access a “baby” for love and care.

Eric and Mary discuss: 

  • The innovative Grand Baby Project and its origins linked to past personal challenges of Alzheimer’s patients
  • How dementia doll therapy can decrease fall risks and improve behavioral responses without medication
  • The broader impacts on care communities, offering caregivers the space to provide quality attention to more residents
  • The future vision of The Grand Baby Project with its aim to reach every individual worldwide in need
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Mary Greer: 

About our Guest: 

Mary Greer is a passionate advocate for innovative care solutions, particularly for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. As a leader in the Grand Baby Project, she has dedicated years to improving the lives of seniors and their families through compassionate, non-pharmaceutical therapies. Mary’s work focuses on providing emotional support and enhancing the well-being of both patients and caregivers, offering relief and dignity in some of life’s most challenging moments.

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Navigating End-of-Life Care: Insights and Strategies for Women in Retirement with Jeanne Brosseau (Ep. 13)

Navigating End-of-Life Care: Insights and Strategies for Women in Retirement with Jeanne Brosseau (Ep. 13)

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What if you could redefine your journey into retirement and end-of-life planning?

Discover the crucial yet often overlooked aspects of retirement in this insightful episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast. Host Eric Blake, joined by Jeanne Brosseau, Community Liaison from Ardent Healthcare, tackles the sensitive subject of end-of-life care. This episode is specially crafted to guide you through the complexities of retirement planning, with a focus on hospice and palliative care. 

Key Highlights:

  • Enhancing Quality of Life with Hospice Care: Understand how early hospice adoption can significantly improve life quality
  • Initiating End-of-Life Conversations: Gain valuable strategies for approaching sensitive talks about end-of-life care
  • Integrating Medical and Financial Planning: Eric Blake seamlessly connects hospice care with estate planning, emphasizing the need for a holistic estate plan that smartly incorporates medical directives alongside traditional wills and trusts
  • Understanding Care Services: Unravel the differences between home health and hospice care, learning about their subtle nuances and the financial implications, including insurance details
  • Proactive End-of-Life Planning: Discover the essential steps to seek information and arrange care for end-of-life planning
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Jeanne Brosseau: 

About Jeanne Brosseau: 

When you ask Jeanne Brosseau where she is from, she will answer, “which year?” Jeanne was born in Colorado Springs but had moved 19 times by the time she was 10 due to her father’s career in the construction industry. 

Jeanne married when she was 20 and soon after started a family. Her husband’s career had her packing again to move every year, sometimes twice a year, across the continental US, and out of it, until she settled in CT in 2000. 

She started a career as a Student Counselor with The Writers Institute, helping adult correspondence students learn how to write and publish their work. She also recruited published authors to teach the courses. She fell in love with education. 

In 2008, Jeanne moved her 2 teenagers to Houston, TX so that she could better provide for her children’s college education. She accepted a position as a Unit Secretary at a small Catholic hospital and shortly thereafter was a student in their first Patient Care Technician training program. Right after her 40th birthday, she was recruited by a hospice company to be a liaison assistant and promoted 2 months later to a full marketing position. 

Although Jeanne didn’t know anything about hospice, she researched, asked lots of questions and started to become educated on all areas of healthcare. She wanted to know the differences between the levels of care, when each was appropriate, and why. She loved the “educational” piece of it. Now, Jeanne brings that education to as many people as possible.

“End of life discussions should be as important as beginning of life discussions. Preparing for that journey takes much of the fear out of it.”

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Exploring the Benefits of Home Care for a Longer, Happier Retirement (Ep. 12)

Exploring the Benefits of Home Care for a Longer, Happier Retirement (Ep. 12)

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In this episode, Eric Blake is joined by Mary Greer from First Class Caregivers.

First Class Caregivers is a Dallas senior care company that provides premium non-clinical, in-home caregiving services on a private-pay basis. Founded in 2007, they are a veteran-owned business with a customer-first focus. Mary’s personal connection to caregiving is deeply rooted, having been a caregiver for her grandmother, mother, father, and great aunt. Her passion for working with seniors, disabled veterans, and others who may be overlooked or forgotten is truly inspiring. Mary’s mission is to give back dignity to individuals who may have lost it due to illness, accidents, or old age.

Mary discusses the importance of home care for seniors and the benefits of staying at home for as long as possible. She shares her personal experience as a caregiver and her mission to restore dignity to seniors and disabled veterans. She also talks about the services offered by First Class Caregivers and how they tailor their services to meet the specific needs of each client. 

Eric and Mary discuss: 

  • Importance of staying at home for longer life expectancy and sense of familiarity
  • First Class Caregivers’ approach to educating individuals and families about options
  • Range of non-medical services offered by First Class Caregivers
  • Assistance with funding long-term care and resources for senior living
  • Quick turnaround times for emergency situations
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Guest: 

About our Guest: 

I wanted to do something meaningful, and I love working with Seniors. I was the caregiver for my Mama, Daddy, Grandma and Great Aunt Rose-so I know the challenges of caregiving and how much care the caregiver needs. I do not come out of clinical or Senior work, I come from Automotive and Construction, but I wanted to finish out my career with a job I loved and a company with values and integrity. I was able to find First Class Caregivers, a company serving seniors for over 16 years. In addition to giving care, I can also educate women on what care is available for them and what is coming in the future. At some point, everyone will be a caregiver or need a caregiver and if I may assist them in being prepared-that is a bonus to my day.

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Unlocking the Secrets of Long-Term Care with Dina Mabry (Ep. 11)

Unlocking the Secrets of Long-Term Care with Dina Mabry (Ep. 11)

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Ever wondered if it’s too late to dive into long-term care insurance? 

Slide your headphones on and plunge into an enlightening chat as Eric Blake and Dina Mabry peel back the layers of this dilemma, placing a special spotlight on challenges specific to women. Drawing from their combined experience, they provide an in-depth look at the journey to financial security, even if you’re late to the game.

Tune in and discover:

  • Why the saying, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now,” could reshape your financial thinking
  • Reimagine long-term care: Beyond just nursing homes
  • The evolution in modern insurance policies: What unexpected benefits might your beneficiaries reap
  • The showdown: Traditional long-term care insurance vs. asset-based policies. Which side will you pick
  • Age concerns? From 40s to 80s, there’s a strategy tailored just for you
  • A sneak peek into Dina’s offerings: Why one size doesn’t fit all in insurance
  • Hear firsthand accounts of how Dina’s knowledge has made a real difference
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Guest: 

About our Guest: 

Dina is a trusted resource for life, long-term care, and disability insurance. Being in the industry for over 15 years, Dina has become a respected consultant to financial advisors and individuals by creatively finding solutions for estate planning, income replacement and long term care protection solutions.

Working with over 30+ carriers, Dina taps into her knowledge from her long career in the pharmaceutical industry to properly underwrite clients to find the best match for most medical impairments.

Dina strives to be a reliable professional in her field so clients can make informed decisions and feel more confident that they and their families are protected.

Dina has deep roots in the Conejo Valley and is active in W Source, The Exchange, Women 2 Women, and spends her time on the Executive Committee for Go Red for Women, The American Heart Association and The Alzheimer’s Association Central Coast.

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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)

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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:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Jules Hicks:

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