Her Time to Retire

In this episode, host Lynn Toomey sits down with Dr. Daniel Crosby, a psychologist, author, and Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion, to discuss the intersection of financial success and personal fulfillment. Dr. Crosby shares insights from his latest book, The Soul of Wealth, which explores how individuals can make financial decisions that align with their values and lead to a more meaningful life. He breaks down why simply accumulating wealth isn't enough for happiness and how intentional spending, investing, and saving can create a richer, more fulfilling life. Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and the Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion. With multiple best-selling books to his name, including The Behavioral Investor and The Laws of Wealth, Dr. Crosby specializes in understanding the psychological factors that influence financial decision-making. His work focuses on helping people make smarter, more intentional choices with their money by bridging the gap between financial knowledge and behavior. His latest book, The Soul of Wealth, offers practical, research-backed insights on how to manage money in a way that fosters happiness and long-term well-being.

In this episode of Lunch and Learn Live with Lynn, we dive into the critical topic of life insurance and its role in securing your financial future and protecting your loved ones. Did you know that only 52% of Americans have life insurance? Lynn explores the importance of life insurance, especially during Life Insurance Awareness Month, and discusses real-life stories that highlight why proper coverage is essential. She breaks down the two main types of life insurance: term life insurance, with its straightforward and affordable structure, and permanent life insurance, which offers lifelong coverage with added benefits like cash value accumulation. Lynn also explains the different variations of permanent life insurance, such as whole life, universal life, and index universal life (IUL), and how they can be tailored to your financial goals. Learn about the potential benefits of IUL policies, from tax-deferred growth and market-linked returns to supplemental retirement income options. Whether you're approaching retirement, currently retired, or considering life insurance for younger family members, this episode offers valuable insights into making informed decisions about your financial security. Join Lynn for this essential conversation and take the next step in safeguarding your future!

In this episode of The Her Retirement Podcast, host Lynn Toomey talks with Paul Long, a storyteller and thought leader in the realm of “olderhood”—a term he uses to redefine the traditional concept of retirement. They explore the outdated notion of retirement, debunk common myths, and discuss how individuals can create a new, purposeful phase of life beyond the conventional retirement years. Paul shares his insights on navigating this new reality, emphasizing health, relationships, and meaningful work. Listeners will hear about: The importance of staying relevant, active, and fulfilled as we age The dangers of entering retirement without a clear plan for purpose and fulfillment Key steps to take when approaching this new stage of life, including focusing on health, relationships, and lifelong learning Why traditional retirement can be a trap and how to create a personalized "new way forward" Whether you're nearing retirement or simply looking to live a more intentional life, this episode offers practical tips and inspirational advice for anyone at any stage. Paul Long is a speaker, writer, and founder of the platform "A New Way Forward," where he helps individuals approaching retirement redefine their later years. With a background in journalism and content creation, Paul now focuses on the intersection of aging, purpose, and transformation. He shares valuable insights on how to navigate the new reality of aging, using his experience and research to challenge outdated stereotypes. Through his content on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Substack, Paul empowers people to live a fulfilling life well into their later years.

In this episode of the Her Retirement Lunch and Learn Live, Lynn discusses eight essential strategies to help you secure a more intentional and financially stable retirement. These strategies, grouped under the acronym "HEROS" (Her Efficient Retirement Optimized Strategies), are designed to maximize your wealth, protect your income, and ensure long-term financial security. Topics include smart spending and saving, semi-retirement opportunities, protected growth investments, and the importance of tax and legacy planning. Tune in to learn how you can implement these practical steps for a more confident retirement journey!

  Kellie Newell is a former corporate professional from the UK who decided to take a bold step by leaving her long-time career in the hospitality industry to embark on a year-long solo journey across Southeast Asia. After a series of life changes, including the end of a relationship and her last child leaving for university, Kellie felt a need to rediscover her purpose. With just £12,000 in savings, she chose to budget travel, staying in hostels, enjoying street food, and embracing the freedom of spontaneous exploration. Throughout her travels in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia, Kellie connected with people from all over the world, immersing herself in local cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Her journey is a testament to living fearlessly and finding joy in the unknown.

Mindset Matters: Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance Ellen Rogin discusses the importance of mindset in financial wellness. Understand the difference between scarcity and abundance thinking and how to adopt a more positive outlook.   Ellen Rogin is a former financial advisor, renowned author, abundance activist, and financial intuitive. With a background in practical financial planning and a deep intuitive ability, Ellen combines these skills to help individuals unlock their financial potential. She believes in the power of generosity and gratitude as key drivers of prosperity and has developed unique methods to activate abundance in her clients' lives. Ellen is the author of "Picture Your Prosperity: Smart Money Moves to Turn Your Vision into Reality," a New York Times bestseller that guides readers in creating visual financial plans. Her work has empowered many to shift from scarcity thinking to an abundance mindset, leading to greater financial wellness and fulfillment.

Dr. Orlena is a former pediatrician who has transitioned into a health and wellness coach, residing on the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Spain. With a medical background and a passion for helping women lead vibrant, healthy lives, Dr. Orlena focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes that promote physical and emotional well-being. After relocating to Spain 13 years ago, she pivoted from traditional medicine to create a holistic health platform that empowers women to lose weight, gain energy, and enjoy life to its fullest. Dr. Orlena emphasizes the importance of enjoyable exercise, nutritious eating, quality sleep, and emotional wellness. She encourages her clients to develop positive habits and make small, impactful changes that contribute to long-term health and happiness. Dr. Orlena is dedicated to inspiring women to embrace their best selves through her four-pillar approach to wellness: nutritious eating, enjoyable exercise, restful sleep, and emotional well-being. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that a balanced life filled with joy and self-care is the key to lasting health and vitality.

Jacqueline Perez, affectionately known as Jack, is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Kuel Life, a vibrant digital platform dedicated to empowering women in midlife. With a career spanning several decades and industries, Jack has consistently demonstrated her commitment to creating value and fostering community among women navigating the complexities of midlife transitions. Jack's professional journey began in the corporate world, where she garnered extensive experience in consulting and marketing. Armed with an MBA, she excelled in the demanding environments of Fortune 50 companies and later co-founded a PR and marketing firm in San Francisco. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on as she successfully balanced the demands of her career while raising her son as a single mother. In 2017, inspired by her own challenges during menopause and the lack of available resources, Jack founded Cool Life. This innovative platform is not just a directory but a carefully curated community where powerhouse women share their expertise on topics ranging from health and wellness to financial security and personal growth. Cool Life is a testament to Jack's belief in the importance of supporting and empowering women through every stage of life. Beyond her professional achievements, Jack is a passionate advocate for normalizing the conversation around aging and providing women with the tools they need to live their best lives. Her ability to connect, inspire, and lead is evident in the thriving community she has built. Jack is also a sought-after speaker and thought leader, known for her candid discussions about the realities of midlife and her unwavering dedication to helping women redefine what it means to age gracefully and powerfully. As she approaches her 60th birthday, Jack continues to inspire and lead with the same energy and enthusiasm that has defined her multifaceted career. https://kuellife.com/

Annie Baker is a seasoned Realtor with over 25 years of experience across multiple states and countries. In 2010, she discovered her passion for helping seniors downsize, inspired by her first senior client, Lillian. This experience led her to specialize in senior real estate, focusing on the importance of integrity and building a trusted team to assist seniors in their transitions. Originally from Atherton, CA, Annie has lived in Canada, Finland, and various parts of the U.S., giving her a personal understanding of moving and real estate. Alongside her professional career, Annie is dedicated to volunteering with Hospice of the Valley and participating in "Furry Friends" dog therapy with her dog, Winston. Annie's commitment to kindness, expertise in real estate, and personal experiences make her a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate for her clients.

Sharon K. Gillenwater is a dynamic tech startup founder, seasoned business executive, and inspirational speaker whose mission is to demystify entrepreneurship and make it more accessible for everyone. With a passion for fostering inclusive and ethical business practices, Sharon has made a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape. She is the author of the acclaimed book Scaling With Soul: How I Built & Sold a $25 Million Tech Company Without Being an A**hole. In this insightful work, she shares the compelling story of how she built, scaled, and successfully sold Boardroom Insiders, a company that provides in-depth executive profiles and insights for sales and marketing professionals. Sharon's approach emphasizes integrity and empathy, proving that success in business doesn't require compromising one's values. Join us as Sharon delves into her entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable lessons and practical advice on building a tech company from the ground up. Her experiences and insights are sure to inspire and empower anyone looking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of entrepreneurship.

Meet Anne Lester, a seasoned leader on a mission to empower rising professionals to save smart and retire happily, all on their own terms. With an impressive background, including 20 years as Head of Retirement Solutions at J.P. Morgan and co-founding The Aspen Leadership Forum on Retirement Savings with AARP, Anne brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Her exceptional contributions to Americans' economic security earned her the prestigious Ray Lillywhite Award in 2020. A dynamic speaker and emcee, Anne engages audiences of all ages and professional backgrounds, from under-45 crowds to financial industry events like P&I and NAPA. She has also been featured in top-tier media outlets such as Bloomberg TV, CNBC, Barron's, and Forbes, showcasing her expertise in retirement planning and financial security. Anne is currently working on a groundbreaking book, "Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want," slated for release in 2024 by William Morrow. With an academic background in international economics and Japan studies from Johns Hopkins and a B.A. from Princeton, including a Fulbright Graduate Research Fellowship, Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her work. Personally, Anne and her husband are parents to two children—a Gen Z-er and a Millennial—both on their journey to financial preparedness for retirement.

In this enlightening podcast episode, Wendy Werneth and Dana Malstaff from Camp Reinvention, seasoned coaches and mentors, share invaluable wisdom and guidance for women navigating life transitions. Wendy, a seasoned life coach, and Dana, a successful entrepreneur, emphasize the transformative potential of their 12-week program, designed to help women rediscover their passions and chart a fulfilling path forward. They encourage listeners to take action and approach life with curiosity, highlighting the importance of embracing imperfection and challenging limiting beliefs. Wendy underscores the notion that past experiences do not define one's future, emphasizing the opportunity for growth and change at any age. Host Lynn, who also leads "Never Too Late to Launch" for women over 50, finds resonance in empowering women to explore new opportunities. As the conversation unfolds, they delve into topics such as retirement, entrepreneurship, and the endless possibilities for personal and professional fulfillment. Listeners are invited to explore Camp Reinvention and ponder the empowering question: "Wouldn't it be cool if..."

Listen in to this episode as Lynn chats with Mike Drak, author, retirement lifestyle designer, public speaker, and senior contributor at Booming Encore. Lynn and Mike talk about how to prevent retirement shock, retiring and then going back to work (on your terms), the advantages of semi-retirement, and how to live a good, long life.

Listen in to this week's episode as Lynn talks with Dr. Nicole Marcione about how to age well by prioritizing your longevity, desire, and vibrancy. Dr. Nicole's expertise is in helping midlife women navigate their aging process by reconnecting with their body, their intuition, and their desire; blending the Science of Longevity with the Art of Living a vibrant, sensual life.  It's time to feel good, reconnect and trust our bodies. Let's Get her Done.

As a Certified Professional Coach, Maureen focuses on helping individuals lead with greater impact and on training teams to perform with higher effectiveness. In addition, I lead group training and development sessions around the 7 imperatives of effective leadership. Maureen has over 25 years of business leadership experience partnering with clients such as P&G, General Mills, Burger King, and United Airlines at top advertising shops, including Grey, Saatchi & Saatchi, and McGarry Bowen. Before becoming an Executive Coach and Trainer, she designed countless mentoring, training, and leadership programs for her teams while driving unprecedented growth for her clients. Maureen hails from the Midwest but has lived happily in and around New York for 25 years. Maureen received a BA in Marketing and Communication from The University of Dayton and her Professional Coaching Certification (CPC) from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She's also a certified Energy Leadership practitioner (ELI-MP), a certified practitioner of DiSC, an Amazon bestselling author, and an avid podcaster on the topic of leadership and potential. Some people say it's easier said than done; Maureen feels it's easier done than said. She emphatically believes Ralph Waldo Emerson was right when he said, “Do the thing, and you will have the power.”   https://www.mfalveycoaching.com/

This week Lynn talks with Scott Fulton, president of Home Ideations, President of the National Aging in Place Council and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Scott and I chat about aging in place, his concept, and Wealthspan, and his five pillars of longevity: mind, environment, diet, activity and community.  

In this week's episode, Lynn sits down with fitness coach Barbara Hawken to talk about demystifying menopause. Barbara is a Transformation Coach for affluent Moms and executive women who want to feel more radiant and energetic. Food, fitness, mindset, and lifestyle are all focuses in Barbara's programs.

In this week's episode, Lynn sits down with renowned journalist, Social Security expert, and Retirement Professional, Mary Beth Franklin, CFP to discuss getting the most out of your Social Security benefits.  As an award-winning journalist for over 40 years, including a stint on Capitol Hill for United Press International, Mary Beth has written about big-picture policy issues, such as the federal budget and tax legislation, as well as consumer-focused personal finance advice articles on how to maximize Social Security benefits, minimize tax bills, and enroll in Medicare. She spent 13 years as the tax and retirement editor at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and subsequently educating financial advisors as a Contributing Editor at Investment News. At Kiplinger, She also edited the annual Retirement Planning Guide and monthly Retirement Report newsletter. In 2016, she received the prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award for Best Instructional Content for her article “Demystifying Social Security.” That same year, she received a Hero Award from the Women's Institute for Secure Retirement (WISER) for her educational efforts to improve retirement security for women. In 2021, Editor and Published presented her with an EPPY award, citing her “On Retirement” column as the best business blog of the year. In 2022, she received the runner-up EPPY award in the same category, and she also received the Investment News Trailblazer award for her contributions to the retirement income planning profession as part of Investment News' annual Women to Watch event. You can find out more about Mary Beth Franklin and her services at https://marybethfranklin.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-franklin-ab7a9a3/ https://twitter.com/MBFretirepro  

In this week's episode, Lynn sits down with Jeanne Thompson to discuss work life balance towards the end of our careers. Jeanne Thompson is an author, speaker, transformational coach, former Fortune 50 HR executive, and now a retiree. As a Certified High Performance Coach (CHPC) trained by the High Performance Institute, founded by Brendon Burchard, and a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner (RTTP), Jeanne partners with individuals, teams, and audiences in service of working to make them the best version of themselves they can be.       https://www.jeaninethompson.net/about-jeanine

Robert Laura is a retirement speaker, baby boomer expert, author, entrepreneur, and money manager. As the Retirement Activist, he's committed to changing the way people think about and prepare for every aspect of retirement. Over the course of his career, he's learned that retirement is one of the most fascinating and least understood phases of life, and he's laser-focused on helping people create no-regrets retirement plans. In his nationally syndicated columns at Forbes and Financial Advisor, he challenges the status quo of traditional retirement planning. He's also the founder of RetirementProject.org and Naked Retirement, and he frequently appears in the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Investor's Business Daily, Yahoo Finance, The Street, and other publications. https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-laura

In this week's episode, Lynn walks us through the episodic series of TikTok videos documenting the process of getting her mother elderly living assistance care. 

“Old age” for our great-grandparents is now “middle age” for ourselves. So what are you going to do with this gift of time?   For most of us, this is uncharted territory.  Role models to help us navigate so many new sets of questions are limited. This remarkable extension of our life expectancy has precipitated exciting changes in our attitudes toward aging. Nowadays, we are rejecting outdated models of “retirement.” Instead of stepping back, we are embracing this gift of time to shift, edit and expand in all areas of our lives. We are reimagining how we live, love, work, serve, and thrive in our “third act.”  Our “third act” is a time to seek meaning and arrive at our best life — with joyful, engaged, and truly purposeful decades ahead. Creating a new way of living in this phase of life does not come naturally to most of us.  It requires digging deep and sloshing around in uncomfortable, unknown waters. Vulnerability and insecurity can run high in the face of workplaces and a culture that has limited respect for “older” people. Do you shift or leave a long-term career, re-enter the workplace after years of raising your family, launch a new business, or passionate initiative you have held back from pursuing for years?  (Did you know that women over 50 own over 50% of small businesses?)  Do you focus on a passion over income, choosing to learn new things and develop your talents?  How do you deepen or change your relationships, spend more time with people you love, connect with new like-minded friends, and shape ways to serve and make an impact in the world?   Are you ready to set aside your fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs to fulfill your life's desires? Do you want to get back in touch with who you are to create the life that you were meant to live? Are you ready for your “third act” quest? https://www.thirdactquest.com/about

Continuing the theme from last week's episode on the non-financial aspects of retirement, Lynn shares a segment from a recent Her Retirement Masterclass she hosted. In the class, she talks about both the financial and non-financial aspects of retirement and in this segment, her Good Life framework and something she refers to as wealth planning. It gives you a framework and the opportunity to re-imagine and re-design your retirement life, aligning your purpose, vitality, connections, and contributions with your finances. Once you have this clarity, you can retire with intention…on your own terms. This is really the essence of life planning for retirement. In this segment, she shares some stats and suggestions for each of these sections of my framework. The non-financial side of retirement planning is just as important as the financial.

  As a certified leadership coach with her company ULeadU Post Career Pathing based in Toronto, Canada, Marilyn works with professionals & business leaders approaching retirement & wondering what they'll do with themselves if work isn't a constant companion. With ULeadU Post Career Pathing they tap into their inner navigator to chart their own path & LEAD THEMSELVES into that next phase of life with confidence. With Marilyn's support, clients go deep into the non-financial aspects of retirement. This is more than lifestyle planning. The focus is on building self-awareness to shift mindset & take action vs. just dreaming about how to spend all that found time. Her clients envision & begin to design a post-career life that is as engaging & purposeful as their successful careers.     Email: Marilyn.hintsa@uleadu.ca Website: www.uleadu.ca Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/hintsa

Rachel Fox is the Director of Business Development at Sunny Day Fund, an employer-rewarded emergency savings program that enables your workforce to stabilize and shine financially. Sunny Day Fund is building innovative financial technologies, starting with employer-rewarded emergency savings that stabilizes workers' finances and enables their pursuit of economic freedom. With Sunny Day Fund®, employers can help American workers save for brighter days ahead and grow with greater resiliency.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fox-142li/

In this week's episode, Lynn takes a closer look at Long-Term Care, as well as breaks down the new Secure Act 2.0 recently passed in December. 

I kick off 2023 with my first episode of the year talking with Medicare/IRMAA specialist Dan McGrath.  Dan is the co-founder of IRMAA solutions, a technology and training company focused on helping financial professionals provide better Medicare advice and data to their clients.  In this eye-opening episode, Dan teaches us the basics of IRMAA… The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is a surcharge or premium you may pay in addition to your Part B or Part D premium if your income is above a certain level. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets four income brackets that determine your (or you and your spouse's) IRMAA. IRMAA costs can surprise many retirees, uninformed of its impact on a retirement budget. And because it's based on retirement income, tax-deferred income sources can greatly (and unexpectedly) impact a retiree's budget for healthcare costs. Dan also shares his insights on why everyone should STOP contributing to tax-deferred accounts such as 401(k)s and opt for tax-free retirement income sources instead.  We talk annuities, life insurance, and reverse mortgage too. A lot of ground in just an hour or so episode. We close the episode with Dan telling us why he believes “the financial services industry hates women.” It's an interesting case study he uses to illustrate his perspective. Grab a pen and paper, as you'll want to take notes on this episode, or plan to listen to it multiple times. Controversial topics that definitely get you thinking (outside the box).    

The question in this week's Her Retirement podcast is, Are Annuities the Answer? Annuities are a great option for those who would like to create a guaranteed income source in retirement. They are also a great hedge against market volatility. But what are they all about and are they for you? Take a listen and find out.