This week, I had a conversation that reminded me just how deeply emotional money can be. A client shared that an extremely difficult life experience had changed the way she views uncertainty — and as we talked, it became clear that her concerns weren’t really about numbers or spreadsheets. They were about what money represents: safety, stability, and the sense of control we all crave when life feels unpredictable.

So often, the financial choices we make are driven more by emotion than logic — fear of loss, desire for security, or hope for independence. That’s why true financial planning isn’t just about charts and returns. It’s about understanding the “why” behind our decisions and aligning money with the life we want to live. During our conversation, I shared a copy of Messages from Money by Ellen Rogin, which explores how our relationship with money can reveal so much about ourselves. It’s a reminder that financial confidence doesn’t come from having more — it comes from having clarity.

Preserving Family Stories and Legacies with Zoe Martin

💬 From Episode 77:

“Do it now, because you just don’t know when you’re going to take your last breath.” - Zoe Martin

Our financial legacy is important, but our stories and memories are priceless.

This time, we go beyond numbers to focus on preserving the voices, photos, and experiences that define a family’s history.

In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Martin, founder of The Zoe Martin, to talk about the importance of capturing family stories and portraits before it’s too late. She shares her deeply personal journey that inspired her work and offers practical ways anyone can start preserving their legacy today.

Tune in as Zoe discusses:

• Her personal journey from surviving abuse to founding Stronger Women
• How isolation and dependency often mark the beginning of abusive relationships
• Why leaving abuse often means giving up nearly everything, including financial stability
• How the science of hope helps women move from surviving to thriving
• The ripple effects of domestic violence on families, children, and communities
• And more!

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

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Related Links & Resources

• 👉 Get Your Complimentary Retirement & Tax Analysis​
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• 📄Read
  • ​Episode 77 Transcript​
• 📘 Resources
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• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Connect & Participate
  • ​Join the Simply Retirement Community Facebook Group​
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Social Security Mistakes That Cost You Thousands

I recently joined Karen Covy on her Off the Fence Podcast to talk about one of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of retirement planning: Social Security. We discussed how the timing of your claim can significantly impact your lifetime income and why understanding the rules can help you make more confident decisions about your financial future.

Our conversation covered when to start claiming benefits, how continuing to work can affect your payments, and the key differences between spousal, survivor, and ex-spousal benefits — including how the 10-year marriage rule and remarriage can influence eligibility. Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or approaching retirement, this episode shares valuable insights to help you avoid common mistakes and get the most from your Social Security benefits.​​

Click the image below to tune in! 👇

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®

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