Category: Retirement

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

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

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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:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

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.

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

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

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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:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

 

Connect with Guest: 

 

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. 

 

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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)

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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:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

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.

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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)

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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:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

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