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Prioritizing Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman (Ep. 30)

Prioritizing Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman (Ep. 30)

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Are you a midlife woman juggling caregiving, health, and finances?

Join us for this episode of the Simply Retirement Podcast, as host Eric Blake sits down with Elizabeth Sherman, a master-certified life and health coach with over 17 years of experience. Elizabeth offers a reliable health strategy that connects well-being and financial stability. She explores stress management, sleep, and nutrition, offering practical tips to improve overall well-being.

Key Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Health Strategy: Elizabeth goes beyond “eat less, move more,” integrating stress management, sleep, and hormonal changes
  • Caregiving Challenges: Addressing the unique stressors of caregiving and the importance of self-care
  • Health and Wealth Connection: How neglecting health impacts financial stability and vice versa
  • Nutrition and Sleep: Insights into how diet and sleep quality affect energy, emotions, and long-term health
  • Practical Tips: Elizabeth’s “Eight Basic Habits” for healthy living, including hydration, balanced meals, daily movement, and sleep hygiene
  • Empowering Women: Encouraging women to prioritize their needs and health for a better quality of life during retirement
  • And much more!

Listen in for actionable advice on balancing health and finances, and connect with Elizabeth Sherman to start living a healthier, happier life.

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Elizabeth Sherman: 

About our Guest: 

Elizabeth is a Master Certified Life and Health Coach specializing in women’s wellness in midlife. Drawing from
over 17 years in the field and a personal journey that began with a desire to reduce her own health risks,
Elizabeth offers a deeply empathetic and knowledgeable approach. Her certifications from The Life Coach
School, American Council on Exercise, Precision Nutrition, Metabolic Effect, and Redesign Your Mind reflect
her comprehensive expertise. Elizabeth’s passion is helping women navigate the complexities of midlife
health, from hormonal changes to mental clarity, with a focus on sustainable, joyful living.

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Finding the Right Financial Advisor: Guidance for Your Unique Financial Journey (Ep. 29)

Finding the Right Financial Advisor: Guidance for Your Unique Financial Journey (Ep. 29)

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Is finding a financial advisor suitable for your unique financial circumstances leaving you overwhelmed?

Tune into this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast with host Eric Blake and Wealth Manager Lyndsey Monahan as they discuss key considerations in hiring a financial advisor who has the skills and experience to provide effective advice based on your unique financial journey.  With decades of experience, Eric and Lyndsey weave in personal stories and professional guidance to assist you in sidestepping common pitfalls when searching for the right financial advisor. This episode focuses on a financial advisor and their firm having a structured, client-focused approach to assist women in feeling confident about their financial future.

Key Highlights:

  • Finding the Right Financial Advisor: Eric and Lyndsey discuss essential qualifications and why understanding specific client needs is crucial
  • Common Mistakes in Financial Planning: Discover frequent errors like improper account setups and lack of a will, and learn how to avoid them
  • Blended Family Dynamics: Lyndsey shares insights into the unique financial complexities of blended families and strategies to manage them effectively
  • Empowering Women: Understand the importance of approachable and inclusive advisors in engaging both partners in financial discussions
  • Industry Challenges: A discussion on the lack of diversity in the financial advisory industry and its impact on female clients
  • Important Questions to Ask: Key questions to ask potential advisors to ensure they are the right fit for your unique needs
  • Advisor Roles: The necessity for advisors to collaborate with CPAs and estate planning attorneys for comprehensive financial planning
  • And much more!

Tune in to this episode for actionable advice and connect with Eric and Lyndsey to start your journey toward financial freedom.

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Lyndsey Monahan: 

About our Guest: 

Lyndsey Monahan is a wealth manager at Precision Wealth Strategies. Raised by a single mom, Lyndsey’s personal experiences with financial struggles led her to a career in financial advising. She specializes in helping clients navigate the complexities of blended families and is dedicated to empowering women in their financial journeys.

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Medicare Explained: How to Choose the Right Plan for You (Ep. 28)

Medicare Explained: How to Choose the Right Plan for You (Ep. 28)

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Confused about how to choose the right Medicare plan for you?

In this insightful episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake and Medicare specialist Jodie Klepetka tackle the often confusing world of Medicare and supplemental plans. Together, they provide a clear roadmap for retirees, particularly women, who face unique challenges and decisions in retirement healthcare. This episode is pivotal for anyone needing informed, personalized guidance on these essential healthcare options.

Jodie Klepetka, with her deep Medicare expertise, discusses the intricacies of Medicare and the crucial benefits of supplemental plans, which cover the additional 20% not managed by original Medicare. The conversation covers personalized plan selection, underscoring the importance of tailoring choices to one’s health, financial, and lifestyle needs.

Key Highlights:

  • Understanding Medicare Basics: Essentials of Medicare and why supplemental plans are necessary
  • Personalized Plan Selection: The importance of aligning plans with individual circumstances
  • Supplemental Plan Benefits: A detailed look at how these plans fill crucial coverage gaps
  • Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage Plans: Comparisons to help listeners make educated decisions
  • Navigating Enrollment Periods: Insights into the key enrollment times for Medicare
  • Expert Advice on Plan Choices: Tips on choosing the right Medicare plan through a reputable agent
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Jodie Klepetka: 

About Jodie Klepetka: 

Jody Klepetka, originally from Northern Minnesota, moved to Texas 40 years ago to embark on a career in the Pharmaceutical Industry. With 25 years as a pharmaceutical representative and a decade in the insurance sector selling Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug plans, Jody later transitioned to become an independent agent. This move allowed better service for customers through various healthcare options, working collaboratively to find plans that fit their specific healthcare needs and financial situations.

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Personalized Solutions for Quality Homecare for Seniors (Ep. 27)

Personalized Solutions for Quality Homecare for Seniors (Ep. 27)

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Struggling to find the right homecare? 

Join Eric Blake and Danielle Bonilla on The Simply Retirement Podcast as they discuss Hallmark Homecare’s unique model that connects independent caregivers directly with families. This episode highlights how Danielle’s personal journey from teacher to entrepreneur was inspired by her grandmother’s needs, leading to significant innovations in caregiving. They explore how bypassing traditional agencies not only saves costs but also empowers families to find the perfect caregiver match, addressing particularly the challenges women face in caregiving roles.

Key Highlights:

  • Personal Journey to Caregiving: Danielle shares her personal motivation for founding Hallmark Home Care, driven by her own family’s caregiving challenges
  • Unique Business Model: An in-depth look at Hallmark’s model of connecting families directly with independent caregivers
  • Customized Care Plans: The importance of creating personalized care plans that cater to the specific needs of families and their loved ones
  • Specialized Care Capabilities: Hallmark’s ability to handle complex care scenarios, including skilled nursing tasks typically not offered by other agencies
  • Empowering Independence: Benefits of Hallmark’s approach for caregivers and families, allowing for flexible schedules and tailored care options
  • Client-Centered Recruitment Process: Insight into Hallmark’s thorough caregiver matching process, ensuring families receive the most suitable care
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Danielle Bonilla: 

About Danielle Bonilla: 

Danielle Bonilla is the co-founder of Hallmark Home Care. With a background in education, Danielle pivoted to home care after recognizing the gap in personalized care solutions for seniors. Her passion for enhancing the caregiving process and empowering caregivers has been central to Hallmark Home Care’s success.

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Navigating the Solo Aging Journey (Ep. 26)

Navigating the Solo Aging Journey (Ep. 26)

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Are you expecting to face the retirement journey on your own?

Join host Eric Blake and your solo aging guide, Carol Marak, as they tackle the unique challenges of aging without a support network. Discover practical strategies for maintaining independence and confidently navigating solo aging.

Carol shares her journey as a caregiver for her parents, which led her to create a comprehensive roadmap for solo aging. She covers ten key domains: health, housing, legal matters, finances, transportation, social connections, fun and engagement, life purpose, and faith/spirituality. Emphasizing self-assessment and early planning, Carol offers actionable advice for those aged 45 and above.

Key Highlights:

  • Understanding Solo Aging: Defining solo aging and its implications for different individuals
  • The Importance of Self-Assessment: Identifying current status and goals for effective retirement planning
  • Ten Key Domains: A detailed look at the areas crucial for aging independently and healthily
  • Proactive Planning: The benefits of early awareness and preparation for maintaining independence
  • Real-Life Example: How one couple overcame their fears and took actionable steps toward better health and social connections
  • Expert Guidance: Resources and tools available to help navigate the complexities of solo aging
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Carol Marak: 

About Carol Marak: 

Carol Marak is an authority on solo aging, offering valuable insights and tools through her website and book, “Solo and Smart.” Her personal caregiving experience and subsequent research provide a robust framework for individuals preparing to age independently.

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Navigating Healthcare in Your Golden Years (Ep. 25)

Navigating Healthcare in Your Golden Years (Ep. 25)

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How does care management transform the retirement experience?

Discover the intersection of healthcare and retirement planning in the latest episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast. Host Eric Blake welcomes Pamela Farris, founder of Harmony Care Management. They explore the vital role of care management in retirement, offering invaluable insights for retirees, particularly women facing solo aging, healthcare challenges, or those in need of holistic care solutions.

With her extensive background in hospital medicine and entrepreneurship, Pamela Farris discusses transitioning to care management in response to the evolving healthcare landscape. She emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing healthcare and financial needs, ensuring tailored care plans that respect each client’s unique situation and preferences.

Key Highlights:

  • Understanding Care Management: Explore the essential role of care management in retirement healthcare
  • Transitioning to Care Management: Pamela Farris recounts her shift from hospital medicine to the world of care management
  • Holistic Approach in Healthcare: A look at the critical integration of legal, financial, and healthcare planning
  • Patient Advocacy and Representation: The crucial need for advocacy in healthcare, especially for those aging alone
  • Navigating Healthcare Complexity: Insights into managing insurance, medical coding, and cost-reduction strategies
  • Personal Impact Stories: Engaging tales illustrating the transformative effects of care management on clients’ lives
  • Engaging with Harmony Care Management: Learn how to access their services and understand their extensive reach
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Pamela Farris: 

About Pamela Farris: 

Founder and Chief Care Manager of Harmony Care Management, Pamela Farris, has been practicing as a nurse since 1980, caring for patients and leading healthcare teams in various capacities. Pam has seen firsthand the need for plans of care based on individualized needs and preferences. Pam graduated from UT Southwestern and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dallas.

In Pam’s downtime, she is involved in a local non-profit to promote awareness for the needs of Seniors and enjoys spending time with her family.

Harmony Care Managers are experts in orchestrating harmony within healthcare. We have a dedicated team of leaders within the field, comprising nurses, licensed nursing home administrators, experts in medical billing, and more, to provide support in every way. From being a liaison and coordinating care to addressing individualized care, Harmony Care Management provides expert advocacy and support throughout the healthcare journey.

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Retiring, Unretiring, and Rediscovering Purpose with Kim Lee (Ep. 23)

Retiring, Unretiring, and Rediscovering Purpose with Kim Lee (Ep. 23)

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When we think of retirement, images of tranquil beach walks, leisurely lunches, and newfound hobbies often fill our daydreams. But what if the reality of retirement doesn’t align with the fantasy?

Eric Blake welcomes back Kim Lee, a former personal trainer, a retiree and now a personal trainer once more. Kim shares her transformative journey, offering a candid look at her decision to retire, relocate to Mexico, and then, quite unexpectedly, unretire back to her roots in personal training. Kim’s story isn’t just about retirement; it’s about purpose, passion, and the courage to pivot when life’s plans don’t bring the fulfillment expected.

Kim touches on: 

  • Why did Kim decide to “unretire” and return to personal training
  • How did cultural changes in Mexico affect Kim’s daily life and happiness
  • What emotional challenges did Kim encounter being away from loved ones and her fitness community
  • What advice does Kim give for those considering retirement, focusing on setting clear goals
  • And more

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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How to Secure Your Legacy (Ep. 22)

How to Secure Your Legacy (Ep. 22)

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Do you know the difference between a will and a living trust?

Worried about protecting your assets after you’re gone?

Dive into estate planning essentials on The Simply Retirement Podcast with host Eric Blake. He brings on Susan Barnett from Haiman Hogue, offering valuable advice especially for single women, widows, and divorcees aiming to protect their financial future.

With over twenty years in law, Susan Barnett clarifies the choice between wills and living trusts, emphasizing the need for estate planning for life’s unforeseen events, and underscoring the crucial role of a financial power of attorney.

Key Highlights:

  • Estate Planning Explored: Unpack the necessity of comprehensive estate planning
  • Living Trusts Made Clear: Susan Barnett sheds light on living trusts as adaptable and secure asset management tools
  • Roles Defined in Living Trusts: Understand the critical roles and their impact on maintaining control over your assets
  • Benefits of Dodging Probate: Discover how living trusts can protect your privacy and avoid the complications of the probate process
  • Limitations of Simple Wills: Learn about the potential risks associated with basic wills and how they may expose you to fraud
  • Importance of Document Updates: A compelling example emphasizing the need to keep your estate documents up-to-date
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Susan Barnett: 

About Haiman Hogue:

Haiman Hogue is a Faith-Based Estate and Family Protection Planning and Elder Law Firm. Our law firm is designed on the foundational belief that we are “FAITHFULLY SERVING GOD, OUR CLIENTS, AND OUR COMMUNITY” in everything we do. The Lord gives us the clients He wants us to help and the income He wants us to make, so our focus is to use our unique God-given talents and abilities to help and serve others. Our attorneys and staff are actively involved in community outreach. In addition, we offer the public free educational events each year and are always willing to provide a guest speaker for professional organizations and civic groups.

About Susan Barnett: 

Susan has been an attorney since 1989. She graduated from Baylor Law School and immediately joined the Collin County DA’s office.

Her career as a prosecutor spanned almost 10 years until her twin girls were born in 1998. At that time, she and her husband, Scott, determined that it was important that Susan stay home with her daughters. For sixteen years, she kept a small practice out of her home and enjoyed being a wife to Scott and mom to her three girls. During that time, she also spent a year working for President George W. Bush in the White House and serving for five years as Director of Kids Ministry at Willow Bend Church in Plano. Her children are now grown, and two sons-in-love have been added to the family. Her newest role is ‘Mimi’, and she is thrilled!

Since June 2014, Susan has focused her practice on estate planning and elder law. She currently leads Haiman Hogue’s Estate Administration Team and guides her clients through the difficult days and months after a loved one has passed. She also listens with compassion and understanding as she assists her clients in their own estate planning. She desires to honor Christ in the way she serves her clients.

Being part of the Haiman Hogue family is a good fit for Susan. She believes that God has brought her to a Firm that values her, not only as an attorney but as a follower of Christ. Haiman Hogue is a place that allows her to continue to serve God and her family while she devotedly takes care of the firm’s clients.

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Navigating Senior Living Decisions with Joyce Logan (Ep. 21)

Navigating Senior Living Decisions with Joyce Logan (Ep. 21)

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Confused about senior living choices? 

Explore the complexities of retirement housing in this insightful episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast. Host Eric Blake, a staunch advocate for women’s financial independence in retirement, invites Joyce Logan, Certified Senior Living Advisor. They discuss the challenges and solutions to finding the right retirement housing, combining Joyce’s personal experiences and professional expertise. 

This episode is an essential guide for anyone navigating the senior housing landscape.

Key Highlights:

  • Ruby Care’s Mission: A unique blend of professional expertise and personal empathy
  • Local vs. National Advisors: The distinct advantages of choosing local senior housing advisors
  • Navigating the Housing Landscape: Joyce’s tips for finding the right senior housing
  • Customized Guidance from Ruby Care: Personalized, free assistance tailored to each client’s needs
  • The Importance of Early Planning: Why starting your senior housing search early matters
  • Selecting the Right Advisor: What to look for in a senior living advisor’s qualifications
  • Personal Stories, Deep Connections: Joyce’s heartfelt client experiences
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Joyce Logan: 

About Joyce Logan: 

Joyce Logan has spent most of her life in Texas but was originally born and raised in Ohio. Her heartfelt compassion for others began at a young age. This was made evident when she earned a BS degree at The Ohio State University and began her career in Social Work.

Joyce spent several years in Business Development before Ruby Care became her vision, which was inspired during the time she spent caring for her mother-in-law Ruby and emotional support long distance for her mother, beginning in 2011. Now, she enjoys helping seniors and their families navigate the complicated choices they face when deciding their future living plans. She currently is a Certified Senior Living Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) as well as a Board Member of DFW chapter of the National Placement Referral Alliance (NPRA).

With great compassion and love for people, Joyce never stops serving. She is actively involved in her community, including AWARE, the Alzheimer’s Association, Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center, Junior League of Collin County, and now serving as a board member of the Dallas Area Parkinson Society.

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