The Retirement Puzzle: Crafting Your Solo Aging Vision


Hi Reader,

"Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the start of a new journey."

I recently had the pleasure of joining Ailene Gerhardt on The Navigating Solo Podcast to discuss the unique financial challenges and opportunities that solo agers face when planning for retirement.

As a Certified Financial Planner®️ and founder of Blake Wealth Management, I’ve spent over 25 years helping women build financial independence and create a retirement that aligns with their vision. Whether single by choice, divorced, widowed, or simply ready to take control of your financial future.

In this conversation, I share my personal connection to this work and provide actionable strategies to help solo agers feel confident about their future.

Key Highlights

  • Understanding the Retirement Puzzle – How to create a financial plan that supports your long-term goals, no matter your circumstances.
  • Social Security & Tax Strategies – The key financial decisions that can make or break your retirement income, and how to ensure you're making the most of your benefits.
  • Planning for Healthcare & Long-Term Care – Why every solo ager needs a plan for medical expenses, decision-making, and long-term care.
  • The Financial Advisor Dilemma – Why so many women change financial advisors after losing a spouse, and what to look for in a professional who truly understands your needs.
  • The Power of Financial Literacy & Support Systems – How solo agers can build a strong network of trusted professionals and advocates to navigate retirement with confidence.

Click the image below to listen to our latest show!

Tune In On:

Episode Resources

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®

Retiring Soon or Recently Retired?
Get Your FREE Retirement and Tax Analysis 👇

Thanks for subscribing! 📬
Not getting what you need? Unsubscribe

​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.

Blake Wealth Management
201 W Virginia Street, Suite 102
McKinney, TX 75069
972-426-7237
www.blakewealthmanagement.com
Unsubscribe · Preferences

The Simply Retirement Newsletter

Straightforward retirement education for women delivered to your inbox weekly. Whether you are divorced, widowed, or simply ready to take control of your financial future, we want to empower you to live your retirement on your terms.

Read more from The Simply Retirement Newsletter

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. Last week, our granddaughter spent a few days with us. At one point, she looked up at me and said, “Pa Pa sit?” Two simple words, but a powerful reminder. What she meant was clear. Stop what you are doing. Sit down. Be with me. I truly love what I do. Helping people make important decisions about their future is meaningful...

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. Our Next Webinar is Just Around the Corner! Many women approaching retirement find themselves asking an important question: “Am I making the right decisions about Social Security?” The rules surrounding benefits can be complicated, and the decisions you make in your 60s can have a meaningful impact on how much income you...

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 was recently a guest on the D Shift Podcast with Mardi Winder. In the conversation, we discussed how women can make confident, informed retirement decisions after divorce, widowhood, or remaining single. The conversation also explores: How to create a retirement strategy after a gray divorce Why becoming overly conservative...