ClearPath - Your Roadmap for Life

Amid population aging and the high cost of care, tens of millions of Americans are serving as caregivers for family members and loved ones. While these caregiving services are truly invaluable, they are often performed without a paycheck and they put significant strain on the caregiver. On this episode, Al and Catherine discuss five coping strategies that can help caregivers manage their responsibilities and, hopefully, ease their burden.

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What is Medicare and what is the Medicare alphabet? When do I become eligible? How should I enroll? Medicare has a lot of options, nuances, and complexities. On this episode, Al Waller and Catherine Collinson explain the basics of Medicare – what it is, why it’s important, how to enroll, and where to turn to if you have any questions. Whether you’re currently eligible for Medicare, soon to be eligible, or helping a loved one who is eligible, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the basics.

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Fall marks the open enrollment period for many employer-sponsored health insurance plans as well as the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, which is especially critical for Americans who don't have access to health insurance.

Transamerica Institute’s most recent survey findings were quite striking: Fewer than three in ten individuals who do not have health insurance are seeking medical attention when needed, and even fewer are getting routine physicals and recommended health screenings. Without such care, they’re missing a potential opportunity to catch issues early on – issues that could intensify and become less treatable and more expensive to treat later on.

On this podcast episode, Al Waller and Catherine Collinson outline what you need to know about health insurance including different types of insurance available, the options and trade-offs involved, and key details about Marketplace Open Enrollment for 2025.

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It is essential to recognize how indulging in harmful substances like alcohol, illicit drugs, and tobacco can affect our health. During the pandemic, alcohol consumption increased as a means of coping with stress for many people, and this trend has continued for certain populations. On this podcast episode, Al and Mihaela outline tips to avoid harmful substances in order to improve our physical and mental health and well-being – and ultimately, prepare ourselves for longer, healthier lives.

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America’s middle class is the embodiment of the American dream. In today’s chaotic post-pandemic environment, how are middle-class Americans faring? What are their hopes and dreams? What is their current financial situation? And what is their retirement outlook? On this episode, Al Waller and Catherine Collinson explore the main takeaways from Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies’ new eye-opening report on the middle class.

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Have you fully considered the fantastic health benefits of spending time outdoors? With so much of our days spent indoors glued to computer screens and mobile devices, we are depriving ourselves of the opportunity to experience the rejuvenating benefits of spending time in nature…and it's more than just feeling good. On this episode, Al Waller and Mihaela Vincze explore how we can all benefit from the great outdoors.

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Just about everyone is familiar with the old adage, “Your health is your wealth.” Many quotes, proverbs, meditations, cautionary tales, and even songs have contemplated this theme. On this episode, Al Waller and Catherine Collinson explore the intersections of health and financial well-being by offering explanations, sharing examples, and inviting listeners to adopt a new mindset in their daily decision-making that could enhance their lives.

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Are regular health check-ups really worth it? Absolutely! These screenings are super important for catching any health problems early on, so you can deal with them before they become a big deal. Despite this, a recent survey by the Transamerica Institute revealed that only 46% of the general population is getting regular physicals and recommended health screenings on a consistent basis. On this episode, Al Waller and Mihaela Vincze chat about why health check-ups are so important for staying healthy as you get older.

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Al and Catherine discuss The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and provisions including the Saver’s Match, employer matching contributions for student loan repayments, catch-up contributions, emergency savings, and more. SECURE 2.0 is packed with dozens of provisions to address many of the most pressing issues and opportunities within our current retirement system, ranging from expanding access to workplace retirement plans to increasing ways people can grow and protect their savings. Some of the new law’s provisions have already rolled out while other provisions are slated to roll out next year and in the coming years.

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Burnout can occur when individuals feel emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and unable to meet the demands of daily life. A recent survey by Transamerica Institute and its Center for Retirement Studies found that 42% of workers say that they often feel unmotivated and overwhelmed-- which could be symptoms of burnout. On this episode, we'll be focusing on recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive measures to prioritize self-care and seek support.

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