I recently had the pleasure of joining Nancy Griffin on the Glowing Older podcast to discuss the unique financial challenges women face as they near or enter retirementâespecially those who are divorced, widowed, or single by choice. We covered everything from Social Security strategies and tax-smart withdrawal planning to the emotional and behavioral aspects of money. I also shared why my work is so personal and how Blake Wealth Management helps women create a retirement plan that gives them...
8 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
This week was the first of two weeks that we are keeping our grandbaby. I've decided that the cliche about grandparents spoiling their grandchildren and sending them back to their parents is misleading. Grandparents really only have a few days of energy to keep up and have to squeeze in as much spoiling as possible before we run out of that energy. But I'll take every second. đ "Answering the financial questions now lets you focus more on what you want life to look like." ERIC BLAKE Whatâs...
15 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
We recently spent a few days with my grandmother in Amarillo, Texas, where I was born and where most of my extended family lives. My grandmother turned 90 years old a couple of months ago. She is experiencing a number of health issues, as you might expect at her age, but I truly treasure the time spent with her. Most of our time is spent watching her favorite shows (a Yellowstone marathon if we can find it) or a movie she likes, but we always end up sharing memories of my grandfather and our...
22 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
It was absolutely amazing. As my mom (her great-grandmother) said perfectly, it makes you want to laugh and cry all at the same time. Our granddaughter took her first steps on her own. What's more amazing is that we were on FaceTime with my daughter as it happened. Not the greatest picture below from the FaceTime video, but amazing nonetheless. The other image is from just about two weeks earlier, when she would walk everywhere, but only holding someone's finger. It was as if she had just...
29 days ago â˘Â 3 min read
Did you know there are several ways you can access your retirement account before age 59 1/2 without paying the 10% early withdrawal penalties? Accessing your retirement funds early doesnât have to be a costly mistake. In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, I break down seven ways you may be able to withdraw from your retirement savings before age 59½ without facing that dreaded 10% early withdrawal penalty. Whether you're helping a family member, navigating a crisis, or just need...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hi [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Retirement is about more than finances. How will you spend your time? How do you transition from a life dictated by schedules to one filled with purpose and joy? What steps can you take now to prepare for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle? In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, I explore âThe Rule of 1000 Hours" in retirement, explaining how to balance freedom with intention. I offer strategies to avoid aimlessness and craft a life filled with meaningful...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hi Reader, Financial empowerment transforms lives, especially when women have access to tailored resources and support. In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, I explore the incredible work of Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping women with financial knowledge and confidence. Alongside Judy Herbst, Executive Director, and Lisa Zeiderman, Board Chair, we discuss their mission, their groundbreaking helpline, and how their resources are helping women make informed financial...
about 2 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hi Reader, Most people think Social Security is straightforwardâuntil taxes show up. The truth is, what you donât know about how your benefits are taxed can cost you more than you expect. In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, I explain how Social Security gets taxed and why it hits harder for women filing single later in life. I break down the Social Security "Tax Torpedo", walk through real examples, and share strategies to help you keep more of your income in retirement. On this...
about 2 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hi [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with difficult questions about protecting your assets, Social Security benefits, and market uncertainties. In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, I answer listener questions about whether to choose a living trust or a will, explain how Social Security benefits work for widows and divorced women, and discuss how to prepare your retirement income for market ups and downs. I also share...
2 months ago â˘Â 2 min read