Women Over 50 – The Simply Retirement Podcast

2026 Retirement Contributions Explained: How to Prioritize Accounts & Help Reduce Lifetime Taxes (Ep. 91)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | February 11, 2026

Most people know they should be saving for retirement, but fewer understand how contribution rules, taxes, and prioritization actually work together.

Small decisions, like where you save first or how you respond to changing tax brackets, can shape long-term outcomes far more than people realize.

In this episode, I walk through the 2026 retirement contribution limits and explain how to prioritize different retirement accounts when you cannot fund everything at once. I break down common misconceptions around employer matches, Roth versus pre-tax contributions, and the belief that taxes are always lower in retirement. We also explain how spousal IRA rules can keep savings moving even during caregiving or time away from work.

Key points:

How to prioritize retirement contributions when you have limited cash flow
Why an employer match matters, but does not tell the whole story
How tax brackets influence Roth versus traditional decisions
Why retirement planning should focus on progress, not perfection
How spousal IRA rules apply during caregiving or career pauses
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice. Roth IRA contribution and withdrawal rules, eligibility, limits, and tax treatment are subject to IRS requirements and may change. Qualified withdrawals depend on meeting specific conditions, and non-qualified withdrawals may result in taxes or penalties. Consult a qualified tax or financial professional before making contribution or withdrawal decisions

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Divorce, Identity, and Financial Clarity After 50 With Mardi Winder (Ep. 90)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | February 4, 2026

Divorce later in life is not just a legal event; it is an emotional and financial turning point that reshapes identity, confidence, and long-term planning.

In this episode, I sit down with Mardi Winder, a strategic divorce consultant and founder of Positive Communication Systems, to discuss what really happens before, during, and after a gray divorce.

We explore why so many women feel stuck in fear, how financial uncertainty can drive costly decisions, and why clarity must come before action. I also share how retirement planning and divorce strategy need to work together so women can move forward with confidence, not confusion.

Key Takeaways:

Why high-conflict divorces often create a loss of identity after the process ends
How fear around money keeps women stuck or leads to poor settlement decisions
Where strategic divorce coaching fits alongside legal and financial professionals
Why financial clarity should come before hiring attorneys
How early guidance can prevent costly mistakes in the first months of divorce
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Connect with Mardi Winder:

About our Guest:

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and trusted authority for high-achieving individuals navigating separation and divorce. She is known for helping clients reduce the emotional and financial costs of the process by strengthening decision-making, communication, and conflict management during high-stakes transitions. With more than 30 years of experience, Mardi brings deep expertise in high-conflict, complex, and high-asset divorces. Her background spans mediation, executive and leadership coaching, conflict resolution and mediation, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication, allowing her to support clients in maintaining clarity, confidence, and control throughout divorce and beyond.

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