Good morning, Simply Retirement Community!

Welcome to the weekly newsletter that reminds us that retirement is not the end of the road; it is the start of a new journey.

I recently shared this in The Simply Retirement Community Facebook Group, so some of you may have already seen it—but I thought it was worth sharing here as well.

I was a guest on a podcast recently, and during the conversation, the host made an interesting comment: that when women decide to change financial advisors, they often intentionally seek out a woman advisor.

To be clear, I don’t doubt that this happens. I know it frequently does. Given that I have been in this business for over 25 years and have heard many stories from women about their experiences, many women would be well justified in doing so.

However, I also shared a slightly different perspective.

In my experience, women aren’t choosing an advisor simply because of gender. They’re choosing based on how they feel in the relationship.

Women want to know—and more importantly, believe—that their advisor genuinely cares. They want someone who will truly listen, take the time to understand their values, and help build a financial plan that reflects their life, not a generic checklist.

That process starts with listening. Not talking. Not selling. Listening.

Women also want to understand an advisor’s story. And if you are a male advisor like me who chooses to focus your work on women, you need to be clear about your "Why". In my experience, women can sense very quickly when something doesn’t feel authentic.

So I’m curious, what do you think?

💬 From Episode 90

Divorce, Identity, and Financial Clarity After 50 With Mardi Winder

Divorce later in life is not just a legal event; it is an emotional and financial turning point that reshapes identity, confidence, and long-term planning.

In this episode, I sit down with Mardi Winder, a strategic divorce consultant and founder of Positive Communication Systems, to discuss what really happens before, during, and after a gray divorce.

We explore why so many women feel stuck in fear, how financial uncertainty can drive costly decisions, and why clarity must come before action. I also share how retirement planning and divorce strategy need to work together so women can move forward with confidence, not confusion.

Tune in to learn:

• Why high-conflict divorces often create a loss of identity after the process ends
• How fear around money keeps women stuck or leads to poor settlement decisions
• Where strategic divorce coaching fits alongside legal and financial professionals
• Why financial clarity should come before hiring attorneys
• How early guidance can prevent costly mistakes in the first months of divorce
• And more!

You can catch every episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast on the website - or on your favorite podcast app.

​​​

Related Links & Resources

• 👉 Work with us!​
  ​
• 📄 Read
  • ​Episode 90 Transcript​
• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Connect & Participate
  • ​Join the Simply Retirement Community Facebook Group​
  • ​Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast​
  • ​Subscribe to the Simply Retirement Newsletter (if this email was forwarded to you)

The Retirement Toolbox

👉 ​What Issues Should I Consider During My Divorce?​​​​

This checklist covers 28 of the most important planning issues to identify and consider when going through a divorce. It’s structured as follows:

• Cash Flow Issues
• Asset & Debt Issues
• Insurance Planning Issues
• Tax Planning Issues
• Long-Term Planning Issues
• Other Issues

Have more questions about retirement planning? Just hit reply to this email. I read and respond to every message. 😃

Keeping Retirement Simple,

Eric Blake, CFP®

​Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. Results will vary. Past performance is no indication of future results or success. Market conditions change continuously.

Information here is provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither Blake Wealth Management nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of Blake Wealth Management. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, their employees, or their clients.

This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Blake Wealth Management or RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC ("RFG Advisory" or "RFG") a registered investment advisor. Blake Wealth Management and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.