Tag: Women

Feature Image
Top 5 Questions on Social Security Survivor Benefits (Ep. 37)

Top 5 Questions on Social Security Survivor Benefits (Ep. 37)

By |

Social Security survivor benefits are a vital source of financial stability for many women, but how can you ensure you maximize these benefits when planning for retirement?

In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake dives into the intricacies of Social Security survivor benefits and how they impact retirement planning. 

Eric focuses on the top questions from clients and more about eligibility, the application process, and strategic considerations around survivor benefits. Tune in to discover how to maximize your benefits and make informed decisions that align with your retirement plans.

Eric discusses: 

  • Eligibility criteria and crucial timelines for Social Security survivor benefits
  • Impact of remarriage on survivor benefits and critical ages to consider
  • The importance of timing for filing and how it affects benefit amounts
  • Integration of Social Security benefits with other income sources for a balanced financial strategy
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image
Financial Tips and Support for Widows with Chris Bentley, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, BFA®, CRPC® (Ep. R36)

Financial Tips and Support for Widows with Chris Bentley, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, BFA®, CRPC® (Ep. R36)

By |

Widowhood often brings emotional and financial turmoil, leaving many unsure of where to turn. 

Wings for Widows offers a lifeline to widows through personalized coaching and financial guidance.

In this episode, Eric Blake, along with guest Chris Bentley, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, BFA®, CRPC®, Founder and CEO of Wings for Widows, dive into the importance of financial preparedness and support for widows and widowers navigating the complexities of financial decisions post-loss. 

You’ll gain valuable insights into the mission of Wings for Widows, learn about the coaching services they offer, and discover practical financial strategies to ensure stability during an emotionally challenging time. 

Eric and Chris discuss: 

  • The emotional and financial challenges faced by newly widowed individuals
  • The concept and impact of the “widow’s crisis”
  • Essential financial steps and resources for widows
  • Detailed coaching services provided by Wings for Widows
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Chris Bentley: 

About our Guest: 

At the heart of Wings for Widows lies the vision and dedication of Chris Bentley. Chris’s journey to establish this organization was sparked by a profound realization during his tenure as a financial advisor. He recognized a widespread and critical gap in support for individuals in the throes of early widowhood—a time when the need for compassionate, professional financial guidance is most acute, yet startlingly underserved.

Chris Bentley, whose career spans roles as a veteran, entrepreneur, retired financial advisor, author, educator, speaker, and unwavering advocate for the widowed, was moved by the struggles faced by those who had lost a spouse. He observed firsthand the detrimental impact of navigating financial decisions without expert advice during such a vulnerable time. The mistakes made in the wake of loss, often under the cloud of grief and confusion, can have long-lasting repercussions.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose and armed with expertise and empathy, Chris embarked on a mission to change this narrative. In 2017, his vision took flight with the creation of Wings for Widows, a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to offering widowed men and women the critical financial coaching and education they sorely need. Chris has since devoted his life to this cause, transforming his insight into action, and in doing so, has built a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless individuals navigating the path of widowhood.

Through Chris Bentley’s leadership, Wings for Widows stands as a testament to what visionary dedication can achieve. His commitment not only addresses the immediate needs of the widowed community but also fosters a broader understanding and appreciation for the unique challenges they face. Chris’s legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support, ensuring that no one has to face the financial aftermath of losing a spouse alone.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image
Prioritizing Self-Care with Professional Tips from Taylor Morrison (Ep. 33)

Prioritizing Self-Care with Professional Tips from Taylor Morrison (Ep. 33)

By |

Retirement planning can be daunting, especially for women who often prioritize others over themselves.

How can women balance self-care with financial planning? What strategies can help them thrive in retirement?

On today’s episode of Simply Retirement, Eric Blake welcomes Taylor Elise Morrison, founder of Inner Workout, to discuss the importance of self-care, particularly for women navigating the complexities of retirement planning and caregiving. 

Drawing from Taylor’s experience, listeners will learn about creating personalized self-care routines and actionable steps to ensure well-being doesn’t fall by the wayside.

Eric and Taylor discuss: 

  • The importance of incorporating self-care into your busy life without feeling like a failure
  • Strategies for overcoming common myths and roadblocks to effective self-care
  • How to utilize technology as a tool for maintaining and managing self-care practices
  • Tips for crafting a self-care toolkit tailored to various lifestyle needs, whether you’re in your peak earning years or already retired
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Taylor Morrison: 

About our Guest: 

Taylor Elyse Morrison turned being bad at self-care—and being firmly convinced of every human’s potential—into a career. She’s the founder of Inner Workout, and the award-winning author of a book by the same name. Named one of Fortune’s 10 Innovators Shaping the Future of Health,  Taylor is tired of aspirational ‘wellness as usual.’ Instead, it makes well-being and personal development more accessible. You’re just as likely to see Taylor facilitating a workshop at a Fortune 100 as you are to see her talking about TikTok and body image with a high school class. Wherever she goes, Taylor’s sure to use her coaching, mindfulness, and movement training to meet people where they’re at and offer actionable steps towards creating a world without burnout.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image
The Simply Retirement Roadmap™ Process (Ep. 2)

The Simply Retirement Roadmap™ Process (Ep. 2)

By |

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:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More