How can you support aging parents while keeping your peace of mind? In today’s episode, Matt Meline connects with senior living expert Jennifer Voigt to share tips on starting tough conversations, planning, and exploring home health care. From recognizing signs of needed changes to managing family dynamics and finances, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions for your loved ones.

Jennifer Voigt is an expert in senior living and real estate. She has years of experience helping families navigate the challenges of elder care and housing transitions. Jennifer combines her industry knowledge with a compassionate approach as a former general manager for a leading independent living provider and now a licensed real estate broker. She is dedicated to empowering families with practical solutions and resources, making her a trusted guide in senior care decisions.

Episode resources:

• Support Associations and Organizations - https://bit.ly/4gKJGye

Connect with Jennifer:
Website: https://sellingsenior.com/about
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-l-voigt-cship-0002a416/

Episode highlights:
(2:04) Who is Jennifer Voigt?
(4:23) Jennifer’s career journey in senior living
(9:49) Recognizing ADLs and IADLs as care indicators
(16:55) Starting conversations with aging parents
(18:22) Benefits and limits of home health care
(20:47) The role of real estate in funding care
(26:27) How to prepare for parent care
(31:29) Outro

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I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

What happens when the roles reverse, and you become your parent’s caregiver? In this episode, Matt Meline and longtime friend Becky Pratt share a deeply personal journey through caregiving’s emotional and financial challenges. Becky reflects on her family’s experiences, from managing shared real estate to helping her mother transition into assisted living. She also shares practical tips for fostering family communication and solving challenging problems creatively. Becky’s insights will inspire and guide you whether you’re starting this journey or deep in it.

Becky Pratt, CRCM, QRD®, is a seasoned leader in audit and banking with extensive experience as a Chief Risk Officer and Qualified Risk Director®. She has successfully guided teams through financial recovery and served on various boards, committees, and advisory roles. As Founder of Mattan Pratt Consulting, LLC, Becky specializes in strategic risk management, governance, and organizational design. She also coaches executive leaders and delivers impactful talks on board dynamics, governance, and leadership. Becky’s board service includes Wheatsfield Grocery, where she has contributed to a 30% revenue growth.

Episode highlights:
(2:01) Who is Becky Pratt?
(6:21) Early caregiving experiences and family dynamics
(8:22) Discovering and managing a complex family situation
(11:55) Transitioning a parent to assisted living
(13:54) The importance of communication and collaboration
(17:02) Resolving financial and real estate challenges
(20:13) Handling complicated parental relationships and decisions
(22:21) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

Are you prepared to support your aging parents through life’s most challenging transitions? In today’s episode, Matt Meline shares practical, compassionate strategies for discussing finances, health, and long-term care. You’ll discover how to organize their affairs, prevent costly mistakes, and safeguard them from scams. Matt also provides a step-by-step checklist to guide you through every challenge. Whether you’re a caregiver or planning for the future, this episode equips you with the tools and confidence to help your loved ones feel safe, secure, and supported.

Digital Asset:

• 2024: What Issues Should I Consider for My Aging Parents? - https://bit.ly/3ZBCJbI 

Episode highlights:
(2:28) The importance of patience as roles reverse
(5:17) Organizing finances: Bank accounts, investments, and immediate needs
(9:31) Addressing living arrangements and safety considerations
(14:07) Reviewing insurance policies and potential benefits
(16:02) Estate planning and legal documents
(18:47) Tax reviews: Spotting savings opportunities
(20:41) Future money issues: Assets and inheritance
(23:57) Cybersecurity: Protecting seniors from scams
(26:23) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

Are you playing it too safe in life—or holding onto things that aren’t important? In this episode, Matt Meline looks at the iconic 80s classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and reveals surprising lessons on living with more courage, joy, and purpose. Learn how Ferris, Cameron, and their unforgettable day off can inspire you to handle anxiety, take bold steps, and even rethink your finances. Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone or making time for what truly matters, this episode is packed with simple yet powerful tips to help you enjoy today while building a secure tomorrow.

Episode highlights:
(1:43) Lessons from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
(4:51) Balancing living for today and planning for tomorrow
(6:50) Tackling anxiety and fear with small steps
(9:02) The dangers of materialism and keeping up appearances
(11:36) Mental health days and avoiding burnout
(13:26) Embracing boldness and risk-taking
(14:54) Preview of the next series on caregiving
(15:33) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

Are you tired of stressing over every single transaction in your bank account? Matt Meline explores how our desire for control can sometimes go too far. Using the classic 80s hit "Every Breath You Take" as a metaphor, Matt shows how obsession can sneak into our financial habits. Discover how to break free from money worries and build a healthier relationship with your finances. Learn practical tips to simplify your financial decisions, grow your savings, and find peace of mind. Tune in to learn how to control your money without letting it control you!

Episode highlights:
(1:30) The history and meaning behind "Every Breath You Take"
(3:17) Parallels with financial obsession
(5:06) How much controlling becomes too much?
(8:07) Taking something simple and making it great
(10:22) Importance of financial advisors
(12:13) Creating a healthy financial boundary
(13:44) Mindfulness and balance
(15:16) Personal growth in financial journey
(16:54) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

Are you unsure if you're taking too many risks with your finances or not enough? In this episode, Matt dives into what Top Gun can teach us about managing risk, building discipline, and making better financial decisions. You'll get practical tips on investing, future planning, and staying on track with your goals. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons that can help guide your financial journey!

Episode highlights:
(1:48) Lessons from Top Gun
(3:01) Risk management
(4:09) Understand your risk profile, diversify, and avoid overconfidence
(6:20) Personal story of investing and risk tolerance
(7:33) Discipline and consistency
(9:33) Teamwork and collaboration in finance
(12:17) The danger zone: Taking measured risks
(13:42) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

Are your money habits stuck in the past? In this episode, we revisit the iconic movie “The Breakfast Club” to uncover surprising money lessons. What stereotypes about money might be holding you back? Let’s explore how vulnerability and financial growth can help break these barriers and create a more robust economic future. Tune in to hear practical tips on overcoming the fear of change, learning new financial skills, and discovering how to live in the gain, not the gap.

Episode highlights:
(2:30) The Breakfast Club: Breaking stereotypes and finding vulnerability
(3:59) Peer pressure and financial decisions
(5:24) Common financial stereotypes: “It’s too late” and “I can’t learn anything new.”
(7:23) Character breakdowns and financial parallels: Andrew, Claire, John, and more
(11:39) The lesson from John Bender: Change is always possible
(13:38) Unconventional financial paths and thinking outside the box
(15:06) The importance of financial literacy at any age
(16:20) Financial affairs, social experiments and interactions
(17:50) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

Do you want to know what to do with leftover money in your 529 plan? In this episode of the Prairie Fire podcast, we explore easy and practical ways to handle extra funds, including new rules that let you roll them into a Roth IRA. Whether your child got a scholarship, changed career plans, or took a different path, we offer helpful tips to ensure your hard-earned savings don’t go to waste. Perfect for parents and grandparents who want to feel confident about managing their 529 plan wisely.

Episode highlights:
(2:28) The Pritchard family’s scenario with three different students
(4:10) Overview of how 529 plans work and tax benefits
(6:02) Transferring 529 funds between beneficiaries—the “529 waterfall.”
(7:06) New rules for rolling over leftover 529 funds into a Roth IRA
(9:24) Long-term benefits of leftover 529 funds
(10:14) Resources for learning more and upcoming episodes
(10:52) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

How do you make college savings work for your family? In today’s episode, Matt shares three essential tips from a parent who successfully sent four kids to college—without breaking the bank. You’ll learn why it’s okay to save a little less than expected, how to think beyond traditional four-year universities, and why involving your kids in the money conversation is crucial. Tune in to gain practical insights to help you make the right choices for your family’s future.

Episode highlights:
(2:06) College cost planning for state schools
(4:03) Saving under the bogey
(7:54) Challenge the four-year university mindset
(10:24) Analyzing college costs and options
(16:19) Involve students in financial decisions
(19:07) Let them see the bigger picture
(21:56) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

Did you know most families are overpaying for college? In this episode, we break down why it happens and what you can do to avoid it. Learn practical tips for picking the right school, maximizing financial aid, and negotiating a better deal. Whether you’re a parent planning for your child’s future or a student weighing college options, this episode offers valuable insights to save money and reduce stress. Tune in for advice that could change your thoughts about paying for college!

Episode highlights:
(2:13) Why do we care?
(3:22) Choose schools wisely to avoid overpaying 
(4:19) Skipping and understanding financial aid
(5:30) Avoid letting “dream schools” impact financial choices
(6:51) Misusing student loans
(7:28) Appeal financial aid offers to save more
(9:05) Paying for more than four years
(10:10) The College pre-approval process
(12:05) Finding generous schools
(12:59) Appealing financial aid offers
(15:40) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM