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The Simply Retirement Newsletter

Eric Blake, CFPÂŽ

Straightforward retirement education for women delivered to your inbox weekly. 🎙️ Host of the Simply Retirement Podcast. Whether you are divorced, widowed, or simply ready to take control of your financial future, your retirement planning needs are special.

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Featured Post

Why the Right Social Security Timing Could Be Worth Thousands

At the end of a recent meeting, a client shared something that truly stopped me in my tracks.. “We look at our accounts and we look at that new site that you gave us that shows our net worth and everything, and we comfort from that, but we draw the most comfort from the fact that we trust you and you are a game changer for us. We draw great comfort from knowing that we're in good hands.” Hearing words like that is both humbling and inspiring. I often feel a deep sense of responsibility for...

1 day ago • 3 min read

Recently, a prospective client told me she is going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. What struck me most was when she said, “My husband has had a financial advisor since we’ve been married. I have never talked to him.” Now, facing this transition, she’s left uncertain about her financial future. Unfortunately, this is far from uncommon. She reached out because of our experience walking with women through difficult periods like this. But her story is also a reminder: if your...

8 days ago • 3 min read

💥EVENT ALERT💥 Life is full of transitions—retirement, career shifts, and even unexpected changes. While we can’t always predict what’s ahead, smart planning today can make tomorrow’s challenges easier to manage. That’s why I’m excited to join Purse Strings’ Money Talk series on Thursday, October 9th at 11:00 AM CT. This free, 30-minute event will focus on retirement planning, tax strategies, and protecting the wealth you’ve worked so hard to build. You can learn more about Purse Strings and...

15 days ago • 3 min read

Last week was absolutely incredible. With our daughter and granddaughter in town for my wife, Dawn's birthday. It is so amazing to see how much an infant's vocabulary grows over just a matter of weeks. It may be more amazing how parents learn to interpret their child's vocabulary 😄. As probably the easiest example, our granddaughter loves Baby Shark. But she doesn't call it "Baby Shark" or "Momma Shark." It's "Baby Doo-Doo" and "Momma Doo-Doo." Which, if you have ever heard the Baby Shark...

22 days ago • 3 min read

This week, I wish a very special happy birthday to my wife, Dawn. My partner in life, in business, and the one who truly makes our house a home. I could have never imagined that after almost 30 years of marriage, you would make me as happy today as I was the day we married. I could not imagine not having you by my side. An amazing mother, a very special grandma (Dawn-naw), and an even better wife. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! 🎂🎁🎈 I love you! Planning Beyond Documents: Building Support as a Solo Senior...

29 days ago • 3 min read

💥EVENT ALERT 💥 Divorce and Retirement: What You Need to KnowLive Virtual Q&A with Jill Lowe & Eric BlakeThursday, September 25 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CT | Zoom Webinar Are you navigating—or considering—divorce later in life? Wondering how it might impact your retirement, Social Security, or financial stability? We’re inviting you to a special live Q&A event where collaborative divorce attorney Jill Lowe and retirement planner Eric Blake will answer your most important questions. LEARN MORE AND...

about 1 month ago • 3 min read

This week is extra special for me because we’re celebrating my mom’s birthday. Her love, strength, and encouragement have shaped so much of who I am today—both personally and in the work I do helping women navigate retirement. I’m grateful every day for the example she has set, and I couldn’t let this week go by without saying: Happy Birthday, Mom! 🎉 Navigating Life After Loss – Part 2: Financial & Legal Aspects 💬 From Episode 68: “The biggest thing is none of us are meant to go through this...

about 1 month ago • 2 min read

Today’s episode, along with the two that follow in this 3-part series, was inspired in part by my grandmother. She was widowed at 62, and for the past 28 years, she has faced life’s changes with resilience and grace. Now 90 years old, she remains the heart of our family. Her strength, wisdom, and example have shaped both my life and the work I do, especially my commitment to helping women navigate life after loss. I hope you find value in this episode and consider sharing it with someone you...

about 2 months ago • 3 min read

💥Next Week!💥 Webinar Alert: What the New 2025 Tax Law Means for Your Retirement Plan 📅 Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 6:30 PM CT | Online ✅ What’s changing — and what’s not✅ Using the new $6,000 deduction for 65+✅ How to prepare before key provisions expire in 2028✅ Steps to take now with your advisor or CPA Learn More and Register here — space is limited. Understanding The Widow’s Penalty and What You Can Do About It 💬 From Episode 66: “Many women find themselves navigating complex financial...

about 2 months ago • 3 min read

On our last morning together, I snapped this picture as we walked home from breakfast before my daughter and granddaughter headed back home. I’m pretty sure this isn’t how a stroller is supposed to work 😆 … but the laughter made it worth it. Fortunately, they’ll be back next month for my wife’s birthday — and I can’t wait. From Family Time to Future Planning 💬 From Episode 65: “Our advantage over Uncle Sam is that we can look many years in advance. All Uncle Sam cares about is this year.” –...

2 months ago • 2 min read