Friends Talk Money - podcast cover

Friends Talk Money

Pam Kruegerfriendstalkmoney.org
Whatever life after 50 looks like to you, thinking about money in retirement shouldn’t keep you up at night. We’re all dealing with the big questions about money and aging: How much you can really spend, how to invest your life savings without risking it all in the stock market, and should you sell your home and downsize? Then there’s the biggest unknown: how much health care you’ll need, and whether your savings and insurance is enough to cover the costs. This is personal. These topics may not be easy to talk about with your own family. That’s why nationally known personal finance experts Terry Savage, Richard Eisenberg, and Pam Krueger and are here to open up the dialogue so you can learn how to define your retirement and deal with your money on your own terms. These three friends think, write, and speak about these issues. And now they’re joining forces to give you the benefit of their experience, wisdom and advice in their new podcast, Friends Talk Money. Each week Richard, Pam and Terry will discuss a different piece of the retirement pie. Everything from Social Security and Medicare to investing and cash flow management is on the table, with practical, common-sense advice on how to deal with these and other challenges. But don’t expect cut-and-dried answers. These friends have strong opinions, and aren’t afraid to debate the pros and cons of their friends’ recommendations. But what you will walk away after each episode is a greater awareness of the retirement planning issues you’ll need to address with the help of your family, friends and financial advisor.

Episodes

The Taxman Answers Your Questions

Looking for help this tax season? The Friends Talk Money team welcomes IRS spokesperson Eric Smith to discuss important tax changes and tax planning strategies. As a trusted tax accountant for the IRS, Eric breaks down the difference between tax credits and deductions, and shares valuable insights into new tools ‘direct file’ and ‘free file’ and other crucial matters that could affect your finances. Listen for more informative tips on how you should navigate the complex world of taxes!...

Feb 25, 202536 min

How to Rebuild Your Finances After a Disaster: Insights from Mitchell Freedman

Rebuilding your finances after a disaster can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The Friends Talk Money crew sits down to learn more from Wealthramp-network advisor Mitchell Freedman, CPA/PFS, who’s lived through this before himself. His personal and practical tips on preparing for and recovering from financial crises are invaluable. Mitch highlights how working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor can help those affected by a disaster recover financially. Listen to learn more!...

Feb 21, 202550 min

Retirees: Are You Taking too Much Risk With Your Investments?

Worried whether the stock market is too risky for your retirement money? You’re not alone! We’re going to help you decide how to sleep at night and still invest so you’re money’s working for you. Tune in as the Friends Talk Money team chats with Jim Stack from InvesTech Research to uncover smart strategies for navigating your retirement journey.

Feb 12, 202543 min

Is a Roth Conversion Right for You? Guest Larry Kotlikoff Helps You Decide

Thinking about a Roth conversion but not sure if it's the right move? The Friends Talk Money team breaks down six key things you need to know before making a decision! From tax implications to future benefits, we've got you covered. Curious about how a Roth conversion could impact your financial future?

Jan 31, 202535 min

How to Get Your Finances Organized in 2025

The Friends Talk Money team is here to help you start 2025 off right! From organizing your important documents to aligning your investments with your goals, we've got the tools and tips you need for a successful financial year! What financial goals are you going to cross off your list this year?

Jan 23, 202521 min

Answers to The Big Questions for the Second Half of Life With Debra Whitman, PhD

Debra Whitman Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP joins the Friends Talk Money crew to give us a glimpse into her latest book, ‘The Second Fifty’. Dive into the conversation as Richard, Pam, and Terry discuss the big questions about health, wealth, and longevity in midlife and beyond. What’s the biggest question you have about navigating this new chapter? Listen to learn more!

Jan 06, 202535 min

Kickstart Your New Year: Essential Financial Tips for a Better Life

Ready to make 2025 your best financial year yet? The Friends Talk Money team is here to help! Join Terry, Rich, and Pam as they break down 9 essential tips to set yourself up for financial success in the new year. Unlock Your Financial Future - Begin by consolidating all your year-end IRA statements and harness the power of an online RMD calculator to determine your 2025 minimum distributions. This crucial step ensures you’re setting aside the right amount for a secure future. Refresh Your Recor...

Dec 13, 202427 min

Charitable Giving 101: Year End Tax Tip & Maximize Your Impact

It’s that time of year again! The Friends Talk Money team dives into charitable giving. There are many benefits to contributing to your favorite charity. The conversation is about the tax and personal benefits of giving. But how do you choose the right charities, align donations with your values, and maximize tax savings? Terry, Rich, and Pam share tips on vetting charities and questions to ask your financial advisor. Tune in and join the conversation!

Nov 25, 202432 min

Expert Tips for a Secure Retirement with Christine Benz

Ready to unlock the secrets to a fulfilling retirement? It’s the most talked-about retirement book in decades! Join the Friends Talk Money team as they chat with retirement expert and best-selling author, Christine Benz! Christine shares some insights on what truly makes retirees happy, how to navigate healthcare choices and the impact of social security on your budget. Plus, you’ll hear what Christine says about getting a second pair of eyes from a qualified financial advisor can provide you pe...

Nov 08, 202445 min

Unlock Medicare: Your Guide to Open Enrollment with Philip Moeller

Medicare open enrollment starts now, and this year things could get a little tricky. Good news! We have three of the country’s top Medicare experts co-hosts, Richard & Terry right here, and we’re joined by Medicare special guest, Philip Moeller, author of Get What’s Your’s for Medicare . Phil walks us through some of the most confusing new changes and offers some helpful tips to avoid costly mistakes. Don’t wait to make changes! Have you reviewed your plan options yet?...

Oct 11, 202445 min

Back to School for Retirees

A growing number of people 55+ are searching for a deeper meaning and purpose in your life, and heading back to college to find it. And many prestigious colleges and universities are offering specialized programs designed just for those new ‘senior students’. These midlife and later-life reinvention courses are flourishing nationwide, with exciting new opportunities launching soon at Yale, the University of Southern California, and Boston College. Tune in to this week’s episode as the Friends Ta...

Sep 20, 202420 min

Estate Planning 101: What to Do With Your Home

Your home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s a treasure trove of memories and emotions. As you consider your estate planning, it’s essential to think about how to pass this cherished asset on to your heirs. The Friends Talk Money team dives into the heart of estate planning and explores all your options for your most emotional asset—your home. Whether you want to keep it in the family, sell it, or create a trust, we’re here to guide you through those tough decisions.

Sep 04, 202424 min

Resume Building Tips for Those Looking to Come Out of Retirement

As more retirees seek to reenter the workforce, it is crucial to know how to position yourself for success in today's competitive job market. In this episode, the Friends Talk Money team shares valuable insights on updating your resume effectively. With years of experience in your industry, focus on maintaining a concise and impactful resume. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable metrics and incorporate relevant keywords to make your resume stand out to potential employers. Listen to lea...

Aug 20, 202425 min

Financial Planning for Families with Special Needs

Taking care of loved one’s with special needs can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you’re going at it alone. That’s why it’s so important to know where to turn for help. Mary Anne Ehlert, founder of Protected Tomorrows, recently joined the Friends Talk Money team to share her personal experience as a caregiver to her own sister with special needs. Mary Anne shed light on the complexities and amount of work required to financially care for someone who cannot earn an income of their own. ...

Jun 28, 202438 min

A Widows Guide to Emotional and Financial Well-being with Alexandra Armstrong, CFP®

The Friends Talk Money team is joined by Alexandra Armstrong, CFP®, CRPC® who is the chairman and founder of Armstrong, Fleming & Moore, Inc. Alex has worked in the investment field for more than 40 years and back in 1977, was the first person to earn the Certified Financial Planner™ certification in Washington, DC. On this episode, Alex discusses her book On Your Own , a widows guide to emotional and financial well-being and offers useful advice to those who are struggling with becoming a widow...

Jun 21, 202429 min

A Conversation With the Man Who Invented Your 401(k)

Our next special guest has undeniably made the most significant impact on your retirement savings strategy. In this episode, the Friends Talk Money team sits down with Ted Benna, the father of the 401(k) plan. Ted shares the fascinating story of how he conceived this groundbreaking idea, navigated the IRS approval process, and gives us a glimpse into his current projects.

May 06, 202444 min

Unemployed Over 60, and Can’t Get a Job

There's nothing more painful than losing your job when you're older and not being able to get a new one. Research says there's a stigma about "older unemployment" - especially when it drags on for more than a year! Meet Ben who is going through that right now. He remains optimistic, but details the hazards -- even for those in technology -- when a job disappears. Some helpful perspective for you - or someone you might know and love.

Mar 25, 202435 min

How to Save on Prescriptions When You're On Medicare

The price of prescription drugs can be enormous when you're on Medicare, so in this Friends Talk Money episode, we offer advice on how to pay the least for your medications. With help from expert Diane Archer of JustCareUsa, we discuss when to use your Medicare Part D plan, what to know about prescription discount cards and programs from drug companies and states that can lower your prescription costs.

Mar 08, 202423 min

What You Don’t Know About Longevity Could Hurt Your Retirement

You're probably familiar with financial literacy, which entails having the skills, knowledge and behaviors to make decisions about money. But how's your longevity literacy? Not sure what we're talking about? In this episode Pam, Terry and Richard break down longevity literacy, and explain the impact, especially when it comes to your retirement readiness. Guest expert, Surya Kolluri , who is the head of the TIAA Institute joins the Friends Talk Money crew to uncover the importance behind longevit...

Feb 23, 202434 min

What financial advice are you getting for your 401(k) rollover?

In this episode Pam, Terry and Richard talk about what’s likely to be the most important financial decision you’ll ever make… what to do with your 401(k) money when you’re ready to retire? The Department of Labor says any retirement advice you get a work should always be in your best interest. The question is… is it? Pam leads the discussion about the DOL’s new proposed Fiduciary Rule and includes special guest Kevin Walsh of Groom Law Group and break down why the DOL’s so worried.

Feb 08, 202430 min

Dealing with Debt Later in Life

Advice on lowering your debt load and credit card rates, plus pros and cons of filing bankruptcy. With Bruce McClary, Senior Vice President of Media Relations & Membership at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling....

Jan 17, 202443 min

What to Know Before Retiring Abroad

Retiring abroad can be appealing, with lower costs and great weather. But here are some things you also need to consider before making a move.

Jan 09, 202427 min

How You Can Financially Set Up Your Grandchildren For Success

In this episode, the Friends Talk Money team discusses how you can help set up your grandchildren for financial success beyond the traditional 529 college saving plans. Tune in as Pam, Richard and Terry share helpful tips and savvy money strategies that they’ve learned from their own personal experiences.

Dec 28, 202330 min

We're Doing Inheritances All Wrong

The Friends Talk Money podcasts talk about why many of us aren't bestowing inheritances to heirs the right way and not helping our parents make inheritances properly. We also talk about how financial advisers could be more helpful to families so they handle inheritances wisely.

Nov 28, 202331 min

Social Security Horror Stories!

Social Security is clawing back $21 billion in mistaken overpayments — impacting retirees and the disabled. Terry Savage and Larry Kotlikoff have written a new book —Social Security Horror Stories— revealing the shocking abuse. Last weekend they were featured on CBS - Sixty Minutes speaking with Anderson Cooper about this issue. In this episode, Larry joins Terry, Pam and Richard to take a deeper dive into problem and what you should do to ensure you get what’s rightfully yours.

Nov 08, 202342 min