In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Hegedus, Certified Financial Planner and founding partner of PWM Private Wealth Counsel, for a practical conversation about how to align vision with siblings and/or spouses when there's lots of disagreement.

Kevin brings years of experience helping farm owners and families sort through the financial intricacies and reach retirement confidently. Together, we explore misalignment between spouses' vision for retirement and transition timing, and the value of early planning and using tools for transition.

We discuss the 3 key farm transition snapshot points; the difference between equal vs. fair inheritance; and the importance of family meetings, celebrations, and communication. Kevin also brings valuable insight into contingency planning and long-term care for aging farmers.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find alignment with their farm spouse or siblings, this episode is for you.

"It boils down to having those early [planning] conversations. None of us are going to be here forever, so how do we make sure that what we worked so hard for transfers to the next generation properly." - Kevin Hegedus, PWM Private Wealth Counsel

Resources Mentioned During This Episode

• PWM Private Wealth website: https://www.pwmprivatewealth.com
  • financial planning, retirement, and succession resources
• Money Sense Radio Show: https://www.pwmprivatewealth.com/radio
  • weekly insights on planning, tax, and retirement

About Our Guest

Kevin Hegedus is the Founder and Managing Partner of PWM Private Wealth Counsel in Saskatchewan. A Certified Financial Planner and Registered Portfolio Manager, Kevin has more than 25 years of experience guiding families, business owners, and farm operators through complex financial decisions. He specializes in connecting investment, tax, and estate planning strategies to help clients achieve clarity and confidence. Kevin is also the long-time host of the Money Sense radio show and a regular speaker on topics such as retirement income planning, succession, and intergenerational wealth.

• Contact Kevin
• Visit PWM Private Wealth Counsel's Website
• Follow Kevin on LinkedIn

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• Visit the podcast website
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching
• MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member
• FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here

Farm Family Coach Social Media Links

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• X
• YouTube
• TikTok

Timestamps

0:00:36 — Introduction & purpose of the podcast (alignment in farm family vision). 0:03:18 — Identity and challenges of farm business owners. 0:04:26 — Misalignment between spouses' vision for retirement and transition timing. 0:06:57 — Three key farm transition snapshot points: income streams, housing, fairness. 0:08:36 — Scenarios for retiree income and transition, selling equipment, rental of land. 0:12:58 — Financial transparency, farm women, and discovering hidden wealth. 0:13:49 — Managing sibling disagreement and succession, splitting the farm. 0:16:53 — Equal vs. fair inheritance, the role of insurance for fairness. 0:19:01 — The value of early planning and tools for transition. 0:21:26 — Building personal wealth, tax-free savings, and retirement income. 0:23:22 — Fee structure for financial advisors and value proposition. 0:25:08 — Historical reasons for tax avoidance mentality in farming. 0:27:25 — Income-splitting, tax strategies for retirement, the importance of financial planning. 0:29:57 — Income challenges for the next generation of farmers, debt options. 0:32:05 — Open family discussions for smoother transition and succession. 0:34:18 — The importance of family meetings, celebrations, and communication. 0:35:33 — Contingency planning for aging farmers and long-term care. 0:36:39 — Advocating for women's roles in planning and independence. 0:37:53 — The "poison pill" in farm succession and legal protections. 0:39:43 — Final advice: have open conversations about future planning, income, and fairness.

In this episode, I sit down with Lyndsay Seafoot, Human Resources Specialist and owner of Curbridge Consulting, for a practical conversation about one of the toughest dynamics on family farms: how to give performance feedback to family members.

Lindsay brings years of experience helping farm businesses create clarity around roles, job descriptions, and communication. Together, we explore why giving feedback to employees often feels easier than giving it to your own relatives, and how to change that.

We discuss how clear expectations, structured check-ins, and respectful communication can help farm families move from frustration to alignment. Lindsay also shares actionable tools for creating a more professional workplace culture without losing the warmth of family.

If you've ever struggled to balance accountability with compassion, or wondered how to have honest conversations that don't end in conflict, this episode will show you how feedback — when done right — can strengthen both your team and your relationships.

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Access the folder of resources

About Our Guest

Lyndsay Seafoot is the founder of Curbridge, Stand Out Staff, and Directors Desk, all of which are companies focused on building expert-level HR for companies and organizations. Lyndsay started in entrepreneurship in her 20s but has been focused on building and growing her HR companies since 2020. Lyndsay has a CPHR designation, and with her 14 years of experience in the field, she has worked with companies across the prairies to develop strong HR foundations that allow companies to grow, hire better, retain more, and get some peace of mind when it comes to employees and managing them.

• Contact Lyndsay
• Visit Lyndsay's website

Follow Lyndsay on Instagram

@curbridge.hr @curbridge @lyndsayseafoot

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Visit the podcast website
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member
• FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here

Farm Family Coach Social Media Links

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• X
• YouTube
• tiktok

Timestamps

0:00:33 Introduction and guest welcome; Lyndsay's HR expertise. 0:01:35 Defining frameworks and the need for HR foundations on farms. 0:03:00 Feedback challenges in farm families and key performance feedback questions. 0:04:34 Defining performance feedback: types (real-time vs. formal). 0:05:50 Communication issues and useful vs. unhelpful language for feedback. 0:10:11 When to give performance feedback and why it is often avoided in farm families. 0:14:33 How younger generations can seek effective feedback and build common ground. 0:18:33 Technology for farm procedure clarity; importance of face-to-face feedback. 0:20:15 How farm spouses/partners can encourage feedback initiation. 0:23:47 The cost of lacking feedback: retention, engagement, and the farm's reputation. 0:29:20 Leadership's role in scheduling and prioritizing feedback meetings. 0:32:47 Addressing the "not my job" mindset and fostering the right farm culture. 0:36:57 Accountability for improvement; holding family members to professional standards. 0:40:03 Key takeaways: respect, common ground, and choosing your response.

In this episode, I talk about what it really means to take back control of your future, especially if you're feeling stuck, micromanaged, or unheard in your family farm transition.

I explore why so many farmers find themselves frustrated and uncertain, waiting for others to make decisions that deeply affect their future. From micromanaging parents to unspoken fears about letting go, I unpack the root causes of these tensions and the mindset shifts needed to move forward.

I also share how curiosity, courage, and communication can turn conflict into clarity, and why it's time to stop accepting bad behavior, start setting boundaries, and make this winter the season you finally take action.

If you've ever thought, "Things can't keep going like this," this episode will help you see that progress starts with you — one honest conversation, one clear boundary, and one next step at a time.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:00:30 - Introduction and discussion about harvest season and Christmas 0:08:09 - Addressing micromanagement and family dynamics in farming 0:16:53 - Strategies for having difficult conversations and planning for the future 0:19:01 - Urgency of making changes and managing time effectively

In this episode, I sit down with Amber Meyer, Certified Financial Planner with TruStone Wealth Management, for an eye-opening conversation about how financial realities and family expectations shape the success (or the struggle) of farm transitions.

Amber brings years of firsthand experience helping multigenerational farm families align money, mindset, and legacy. Together, we explore the biggest hurdles keeping families from "getting to the table," from unspoken assumptions and generational gaps to the tough math of cash flow, living expenses, and retirement readiness.

Amber explains why clear communication, realistic asset valuations, and early planning are essential to keeping both the business and the family intact. We also talk about creative ways to make transitions viable—from custom work and diversified income streams to using tools like trusts and lifetime transfers to balance fairness with financial sense.

If you've ever wondered how to start these conversations or how to keep them from derailing, this episode will help you see that peace and profitability can go hand in hand when families commit to transparency, teamwork, and communication.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com

Discover more about our guest: Amber Meyer, CFP APMA

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:55 - Amber's background growing up on a farm in North Dakota 0:04:34 - Discussion of generational gaps in farming 0:08:34 - Financial inventory and assessing farm viability 0:11:53 - Advice on saving and investing for young farmers 0:17:06 - Importance of wills and estate planning 0:21:37 - Setting realistic land and asset valuations 0:24:04 - Fee structure for financial advisors 0:28:58 - Who typically drives the farm transition process 0:33:56 - Key advice: Communicate, communicate, communicate

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David M. Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management, for a conversation about what it really takes for young farmers to build strong, lasting farm businesses.

We discuss why transition is not just a handoff but a transformative process that requires transparency, honest financial assessments, and the courage to face tough realities head-on.

Dr. Kohl explains why starting with a clear resource assessment matters, how cash flow planning shapes long-term success, and why written goals act as a compass when the road gets messy.

This episode offers young farmers, founders, and successors alike practical wisdom, fresh perspective, and encouragement to move from uncertainty to clarity — and to see transition not as a burden, but as an opportunity to strengthen both the farm and the family behind it.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Dr. David M. Kohl

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:04:40 - Discussion on farm succession 0:05:30 - Resource assessment for family business transition 0:06:55 - Importance of understanding true profitability through accrual adjustments 0:11:24 - Advice on debt servicing and working with lenders 0:14:59 - Land buying strategies for young farmers 0:18:29 - Importance of goal setting and using a facilitator 0:22:16 - Skill assessment and developing mini business plans 0:24:17 - Warren Buffett's advice on behavioral success 0:28:35 - Discussing family living arrangements and budgets 0:33:08 - The five key points for successful farm transition

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Lounsbury, Certified Lifestyle, Wellness, & Menopause Coach, to talk about a topic most people haven't even heard of: andropause.

We've all heard of menopause, but men experience a similar transition as testosterone levels decline with age. For farmers, this can show up in subtle but significant ways: lower energy, mood changes, or shifts in stamina that affect not just work in the field, but also relationships at home.

Lisa helps us understand how to recognize the difference between "just getting older" and the signs of andropause, why grumpiness often has a deeper root, and how ignoring these symptoms can quietly erode both health and harmony on the farm.

Together, we explore practical ways to manage these changes, from diet and resistance training to stress management and better sleep. Lisa also shares why making wellness a priority is not only about personal vitality, but about protecting relationships, improving communication, and thriving in the demanding seasons of farm life.

If you've ever wondered why someone you love seems more irritable, or you're noticing changes in your own energy and outlook, this conversation offers hope, tools, and a fresh perspective.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Lisa Lounsbury

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:35 - Lisa introduces herself and her background in wellness 0:03:46 - Discussion of andropause symptoms begins 0:07:11 - How to validate and test for andropause 0:12:38 - Ways to address andropause beyond testosterone replacement therapy 0:14:48 - Nutrition and diet recommendations 0:20:08 - Connection between andropause and mental health 0:24:42 - Lisa discusses her book "Making Wellness a Priority" 0:29:20 - How to find Lisa's online resources 0:31:43 - Closing remarks about hope and wellness

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Brown, CPA, farm family coach, and fifth-generation farmer, for a frank conversation about one of the toughest topics in transition: compensation.

We explore why pay on the family farm is about more than numbers, and how unspoken expectations, sacrifices, and values shape the way money flows. Alyssa shares how to uncover the full picture of compensation, from salary to hidden benefits, and why defining family living needs is key to creating fairness.

Together, we discuss how couples can get on the same page before approaching the founders, why "suffering for the sake of suffering" creates resentment, and how role clarity and financial transparency help families avoid conflict and mistrust.

If you've ever wondered whether you're being fairly compensated or struggled to start that conversation, this episode offers practical tools, financial insights, and coaching wisdom to help your family move toward clarity and respect.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Alyssa Brown

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:45 - Discussion on compensation conflicts and information breakdown 0:03:48 - Comparing farm hand salaries and understanding total compensation 0:07:09 - Impact of spouse's financial approach on farm compensation 0:14:16 - Addressing the myth of "suffering for the sake of suffering" 0:18:13 - Importance of having uninterrupted, judgment-free family financial conversations 0:25:39 - Defining roles and skills as part of compensation discussion 0:29:33 - Tools and resources for compensation planning

In this episode, I sit down with Marsha Goetting, Extension Educator from Montana State University, for a compassionate and eye-opening conversation about a topic many farm families quietly struggle with: dementia.

We explore how cognitive decline affects farm operations, family roles, and long-term planning, and why facing it head-on with clarity and care is essential. From understanding legal readiness to building respectful caregiving plans, Marsha shares stories, strategies, and practical tools to help families support aging loved ones with dignity.

Together, we talk about the emotional weight of ambiguous loss, how to include children in the journey, and ways to bring more peace into difficult seasons of change. Whether you're already navigating dementia in your family or simply want to be prepared, this episode offers heartfelt guidance you won't want to miss.

If your farm team includes aging parents or partners, this is the episode to listen to together.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Marsha Goetting

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:33 - Introduction to dealing with dementia on farm/ranch topic and Marsha's background 0:04:03 - Personal experience with mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and early warning signs 0:08:45 - Power of attorney importance and legal documentation needs 0:12:34 - Table of contents overview of the dementia resource guide 0:13:44 - Rural-specific challenges and stigma around dementia diagnosis 0:17:43 - Safety concerns on farms (cattle, equipment, guns, driving) 0:23:58 - Working with medical professionals and dementia-friendly communities 0:28:49 - Driving cessation challenges and family navigation 0:34:23 - Caregiver wellness and avoiding burnout 0:34:46 - Resources for children dealing with grandparents' dementia 0:41:09 - Key takeaways: continuing to love the person through the journey 0:42:40 - Final advice on not procrastinating with legal planning and destigmatizing dementia

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Barnsdale, Certified Financial Planner, Licensed Funeral Director, and author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, for a heartfelt conversation about one of life's toughest (but most important) topics: planning for death.

We talk about the emotional and financial consequences of avoiding end-of-life planning and why leaning into conversations about wills, funerals, and legacy now can bring clarity, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships later.

Greg shares personal stories, including his own shocking brain tumor diagnosis, and insights from decades in both funeral homes and financial offices. Together, we explore how to approach mortality with honesty, courage, and even a little humor, so that farm families can age with less fear and more intention.

If you've been putting off those tough conversations or struggling to get your family on board, this episode is a loving nudge to take the next step.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Greg Barnsdale

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:03 - Greg's background in the funeral industry0:03:11 - Greg's motivation for writing the book0:05:35 - Discussion on preventing family hallway huddles0:12:43 - Why people avoid creating wills0:22:54 - Superstitions about talking about death0:23:38 - Funeral budgeting and changing funeral traditions0:25:07 - Organ donation and healthcare directives0:27:48 - Strategies for planning when family is resistant0:31:59 - How to find Greg and his resources (website)

In this episode, I talk with Kalynn Spain: farm family coach, young mom, and self-described conflict nerd, about what it really means to be "the mom in the middle" of farm family dynamics.

We explore how mothers often carry the emotional weight of succession conversations, get stuck in the middle of unresolved conflict, and feel responsible for keeping the peace, even when it's burning them out.

Kalynn shares insights from her coaching work and lived experience raising young kids on the farm, and we offer strategies for flattening communication triangles, setting healthy boundaries, and lightening the load.

If you've ever felt like you're carrying too much for too many people, this episode offers language, encouragement, and tools to help you step out of the middle and move your family forward with care.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Kalynn Spain

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:04 - Introduction of "Mom in the Middle" concept 0:05:37 - Discussion on mom's role in family harmony 0:08:33 - Explanation of "flattening the triangle" in family dynamics 0:12:52 - Importance of written communication in family conflicts 0:15:10 - Power of family meetings and facilitation 0:18:53 - Challenges in pulling farm family members into conversations 0:24:43 - Self-care and mental wellness for moms 0:26:54 - Strategies for moms to take care of themselves 0:30:26 - Conflict as a skill to be learned