Midlife Money Gal

Show Notes for this Episode: 2020 is one of those years where we could be on the verge of major tax changes next year and in future years. Unfortunately, we won’t know more about this until 2021. I don’t like to speculate or make bets on what could happen. It’s best to go with what we know to be true for the 2020 tax year. With a Biden administration and a Democratic Congress, we could see the Biden Tax Plan having a much better chance of getting implemented. Again, we won’t know this until next year! The end of the year is a really good time to do tax planning. There are a handful of tax planning strategies that might make sense for you to take advantage of based on your situation. However, I also recommend that you do tax planning throughout the year. There are always potential opportunities to reduce your taxes if you stay ahead of this each year. Although CPA’s are great for doing tax returns, many of them do not have the time to help you plan ahead on your taxes strategically. This is where a Certified Financial Planner™ can really be valuable. An experienced CFP® can help you with tax planning strategies throughout the tax year. What you will learn in this episode: How to better understand the tax bracket system and where you fall (see 2020 tax brackets below) Tips for adjusting your withholding for 2020 Opportunities to consider if you’re income was lower this year and/or you lost your job due to the pandemic An easy way to lower your tax bill whether you itemize or take the standard deduction Additional retirement savings opportunities to take advantage of before year-end Listen and subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcasting app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

In this episode, Stephanie tackles a listener question; how to invest a lump sum of money. Should you invest all at once even with markets at an all time high? Or are you better off investing in installments over a period of time? Find out as Stephanie shares her thoughts on this important and timely question. Listen and subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcasting app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts Are you a woman professional in your 40s, 50s, or 60s? Join the virtual Women Retire Smart Community and learn more about how you can retire smart, secure, and happy!

Show Notes for this Episode: In this episode, I interview Danielle Roberts. Danielle is a Medicare expert and bestselling author of the book, 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make. Danielle is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Medicare. Medicare is one of the most important benefits we are eligible for in retirement. It covers our primary healthcare from age 65 and beyond. However, Medicare is very complex. There are many ins and outs to understand when it is your time to either sign-up for or change your Medicare benefits plan. In this episode, you will learn: when to sign-up for Medicare (and why you can't miss this deadline) how to enroll in Medicare decoding the Medicare alphabet soup what are the costs of Medicare insurance (no, it's not free) do you need a Medicare supplement plan? the difference between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plan the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan today what you need to know about Medicare open enrollment how earned income at age 65+ can impact your Medicare premiums potential changes to Medicare in the future More information about Danielle: Danielle's #1 bestselling book 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes Danielle is co-founder of Medicare brokerage agency Boomer Benefits The Boomer Benefits Facebook Group (where you can ask your questions!) Find and connect with Danielle on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter Want to join a community of like-minded women in midlife who are taking charge of their wealth? Learn more about the Women Retire Smart™ Community!

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the recent presidential election and the current state of affairs with Covid, the economy, the markets, and the road ahead. Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/69

Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author of the books "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" and "13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do". In this episode, Amy shares her insights on improving your mental strength, aging, and reinvention in midlife. Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/68

I've been seeing and hearing way too many "get rich quick" investment opportunities on television, radio, and the internet. This happens in times of financial hardship or, a public health crisis! In this episode, I provide some tips on you what to look out for to protect yourself. Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/67

Did you know there are 4 types of retirees? I was fascinated to discover this in a new book I've been reading. Hop on this journey with me as we think about our future selves and our "third age" of life. The good news? You have time to influence your trajectory. Show notes https://retirementmoneygal.com/66

In this episode, I share what to expect regarding the possible outcomes for the upcoming Presidential election as well as an overview of the Biden Tax Plan. Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/65

In this episode, I interview entrepreneur Brian Clark. He's the founder of Copyblogger and Further.net...a very successful 'serial' entrepreneur. Brian and I have known each other for a number of years. We're both GenXers (50+) and fascinated with the opportunities and challenges of midlife. Tune in as we talk about living your best midlife, keeping your brain and body active, and exploring a work-optional retirement. We also share a few personal stories! Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/64

To kick off Season 5 of the show, I wanted to honor a very special person who recently left this earth. In this episode, I share 5 ways that U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, achieved greater gender equality. I also share a few RBG quotes that I think you will enjoy! Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/63

In this episode, I am joined by New York Times Bestselling author and behavioral psychologist, Dr. Daniel Crosby. Daniel writes and speaks about the intersection of human psychology and investing. In this episode, learn about the 4 behavioral biases that can impair your investment success and much more! Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/62

2020 has been a roller coaster of a year! The financial markets have been no exception. In this episode, I share 3 tips that can help you become a more resilient investor when it's tempting to let your emotions take over. Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/61

Welcome to the first Q&A episode of the Retirement Money Gal Podcast. I'll be doing at least one Q&A each month to answer YOUR questions, and I'll also answer questions that my clients have where I think you might also benefit from hearing my thoughts! To submit your financial, retirement, or investment question email me at stephanie@retirementmoneygal.com. Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/60

There is a lot at stake with the upcoming 2020 Presidential election. With the country so divided, emotions are running high and you are likely feeling concerned about how the outcome could impact you personally. In this episode, I share tips for how to keep your emotions in check and financially prepare for what's ahead. I also look back on how markets have performed in past election years! Show notes at https://retirementmoneygal.com/59

Welcome to the "Retirement Money Gal" podcast! (notice the name change) In this episode, Stephanie shares why she's changing the name of the show as well who it's the best fit for. Stephanie also shares her thoughts on what retirement means today and why we need to "reframe" retirement for women. Hint; this is not your parent's retirement! Join the Women Retire Smart Community: https://community.retirementmoneygal.com

This is the podcast for women professionals and business owners who are within 5 to 15 years from retirement. If you want to know more about creating your ideal retirement on your terms, you're in the right place! Your host, Stephanie Sammons, is an experienced Certified Financial Planner™ who has been guiding independent women to and through retirement for more than 20 years. Tune in to hear strategies and tips for creating your ideal retirement on your terms as well as insights for your ongoing personal and professional growth! Learn more at https://retirementmoneygal.com

Women who are 50+ have become more active in taking control of their financial lives. In this episode, Stephanie shares the results of a recent survey that looked at what women 50+ want from their financial advisor. The results might surprise you and also help you evaluate your current advisor relationship! Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/57

In this episode, Stephanie talks about how worry affects our mental and physical health. She shares insights from some of her favorite experts on how to minimize worry during challenging times. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/56

In this episode, Stephanie shares 7 tips to help you navigate a recent layoff or job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Great Recession of 2009, Stephanie also lost her job and knows full well what it's like to experience this impact on your career in the midst of a recession. Show notes for this episode: https://midlifemoneygal.com/55

In this special edition episode, learn 5 financial strategies that will empower you to take charge of your financial situation right now in the midst of economic uncertainty. These are 5 strategies that Stephanie is utilizing with her financial planning clients to help them secure their retirement and financial future. Get show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/54

Understanding how much risk to take when it comes to your retirement nest egg is critical to achieving your goals and ideal retirement lifestyle. In this episode, Stephanie explains what risk really means, how to view risk in the context of your portfolio and goals, and how to accurately uncover your personal risk comfort level. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/53

We are currently smack dab in the middle of 2020. As the COVID 19 virus lingers, I expect we will continue to see uncertainty through the rest of this year. In this episode, I'll give you 3 P's to help you prepare for what's ahead as much as possible. Show notes can be found at https://midlifemoneygal.com/52.

Subscribe and get ready for Season 4 coming soon! I'm still the Midlife Money Gal of course, but my new focus for the show is to help guide you from midlife to and through retirement. By far retirement is the #1 financial goal of women professionals in midlife, and it's one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Retirement is also a lot more complex than it used to be. Does your ideal retirement include relaxation, recreation, reinvention, or all of the above? I want to help you gain greater clarity around your vision for an ideal retirement and give you tips and strategies to make your vision a reality. Learn more at https://midlifemoneygal.com

This is the 50th episode of the Midlife Money Gal! In this episode, Stephanie shares her personal thoughts and lessons inspired by the Coronavirus pandemic. This is a real and raw off-the-cuff episode! Get the show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/50.

During economic downturns, the scammers come out in droves preying on their victims. In this episode, Stephanie shares some of the latest scams to be aware of, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you're affected. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/49

In this episode, Stephanie helps you prepare for the delayed 2019 tax-filing deadline this year and shares a few potential tax-savings tips to consider. Find the show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/48

The Coronavirus Pandemic has likely changed our economy forever. How should you be positioning yourself and your money for the "new economy"? In this episode, Stephanie shares her thoughts on what we might see going forward, and 7 midlife money moves for the new economy. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/47

In this episode, Stephanie walks through the stages of a mindset shift during an economic downturn and shares 8 ways that you can keep a positive mindset during tough times. Show notes at http://midlifemoneygal.com/46.

In this episode, Stephanie shares tips for working from home and how you can be productive but also keep work and family time separate. Tune in to hear all of the tips, including a bonus tip at the end. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com.

In this episode, Stephanie shares an update on the recent job losses caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, and what might change about work in the future. Learn what you can do if you have lost your job, or if having this "work at home" time has made you reflect on your current career and work situation. Also, Stephanie shares her personal story of when she was forced to leave her corporate management position during the last recession and what she learned from this experience. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/44

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the benefits of the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security) and how to tap into these benefits. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/43

In this episode of the Midlife Money Gal Podcast, Stephanie discusses smart sane money moves now for managing your nest egg through volatile markets caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more at https://midlifemoneygal.com/42

In light of the current uncertainty, this week's episode includes a few of my personal tips to help you remember to breathe and focus on what matters most. https://midlifemoneygal.com/

In light of the current global state of affairs, I wanted to share some thoughts and help put into perspective what we are experiencing. Learn how to stay prepared but also keep your perspective during this challenging time. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/40

Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a popular past episode covering this evergreen topic on surviving stock market volatility. When markets go down it can be difficult and sometimes downright painful to endure. Stephanie shares her insights on how and why to think like a long-term investor and how to stay level headed during times of short-term volatility. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/12

The LGBTQ Series: Many LGBTQ couples are marrying for the first time in midlife. In this episode, Stephanie shares the "pro" financial benefits of LGBTQ marriage as well as a few minor "cons" to consider before taking the plunge. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/38

The new SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) quietly became law at the end of 2019. In this episode, Stephanie highlights the important changes that could significantly affect your retirement planning. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/37

In this episode Stephanie shares insights from the brand new 2020 HRC Corporate Equality Index update. Learn how we can leverage this index as a community and have a greater impact through our purchasing and career decisions! Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/hrc100

It's a new year, and we are beginning the year with U.S. markets at an all-time high. January is a good time to review your portfolio mix. Markets are unpredictable and it can be dangerous to try and time them. In this episode Stephanie give 4 prudent portfolio rules to follow so that you can continue participating in the growth of the markets but also manage your risk effectively. Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/35

In this episode, Stephanie provides a practical framework for setting realistic goals and making true progress toward accomplishing those goals over the next year. Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/34

When is the last time you reviewed your beneficiaries? Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401ks) and life insurance both require naming beneficiaries. This is one of the most overlooked financial tasks I see as a financial advisor, and the consequences can be severe. In this episode, learn more about the how and why to updating your beneficiary designations on your financial assets and accounts. Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/33

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 has impacted charitable giving. You can no longer simply give to your favorite charity and receive an automatic tax deduction unless certain qualifications are met. Listen in as Stephanie shares a handful of strategies that can still allow you to give to your favorite charities AND save money on your taxes. Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/32

The end of the year is a good time to get your financial house in order. In this episode, Stephanie shares 5 year-end financial moves to help you prepare for next year. Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/31

In this Midlife Mindset Moment episode, Stephanie shares an insight about the perils of making false assumptions around what other people are thinking or intending. Learn more at https://lgbgtmidlifemoney.com/30

It's that time of year again to review your health insurance options. In this episode, learn about the amazing advantages of Health Savings Accounts and whether or not having one of these accounts makes sense for you! Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/29

In this episode, Stephanie shares a "heads up" about year-end mutual fund distributions that may affect your tax situation. Also, the Midlife Mindset Moment for this week is all about getting better at follow through! Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/28

The Equality Economy is real. LGBTQ consumers have tremendous purchasing power and influence which impact our economy. Show notes at https://lgbtqmidlifemoney.com/27

This is a coaching episode where Stephanie shares 3 compelling truths she's learned from her coaches over the years that were life-changing. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/25

In this episode, learn more about when it's the right time to begin taking charge of your wealth and 4 major steps to start the process. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/24.

In this episode, Stephanie shares eye-opening statistics about the state of women and wealth in the U.S. and what it means for our power, influence, and impact as women today and in the future. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/23

Recessions are inevitable and unavoidable. We will always have them, but we can't predict the timing, depth and duration. Although it's not possible to escape a recession, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and be better prepared when it does occur. In this episode, Stephanie shares 6 ways to protect yourself from a recession. Show notes at https://midlifemoneygal.com/22