Tag: Retirement

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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

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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

 

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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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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

 

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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!

 

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What Are Your Investing Principles? (Ep. 5)

What Are Your Investing Principles? (Ep. 5)

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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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The Simply Retirement Roadmap™ Process (Ep. 2)

The Simply Retirement Roadmap™ Process (Ep. 2)

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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)

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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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