• Why older Americans are launching businesses in record numbers
• How Trump-era policy changes are shrinking access to critical SBA support
• Why tariffs and trade policy shifts are squeezing small business margins
• What this means for women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses
• What encore entrepreneurs need to do now to protect and grow their ventures

• Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)
• SCORE
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Most boomers and Gen X-ers are terrified about running out of money in retirement — even if they’re already retired (Marketwatch)

The 2025 Budget Bill — aka the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — is now law. But behind the headlines and hype, how does it impact your taxes, Social Security, Medicare, estate plan, and healthcare costs?

In this episode of Friends Talk Money, Pam Krueger, Terry Savage, and Richard Eisenberg break down what really matters — no politics, no spin, just the facts that can help (or hurt) your financial future.

What you'll learn:

• What the $6,000 senior tax deduction really does — and who qualifies
• Whether your Social Security will still be taxed
• Big changes to the SALT deduction and why it matters in high-tax states
• Updates to Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care planning
• New tax breaks on car loans, overtime, and tips (but only for some!)
• How the $15M estate tax exemption could affect your legacy
• A powerful HSA change most people haven’t noticed

Bottom line: If you’re retired or planning for retirement, this bill changes the game. Talk to your CPA, estate attorney, or fiduciary financial advisor now.

Artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping the way we plan—and pay—for long-term care. In this new episode of Friends Talk Money, Richard, Pam, and Terry sit down with Lily Vittayarukskul, Co-Founder and CEO of Waterlily, for a candid conversation about what most people get wrong about long-term care and how AI is changing the game.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most Americans underestimate the true cost and likelihood of needing long-term care
• How Waterlily uses AI and over 500 million data points to predict your personal care needs
• The real numbers behind self-funding vs. insurance for long-term care
• How to make smarter, unbiased decisions for your future, your family, and your finances
• What’s ahead for AI in financial planning and eldercare

Lily also shares her inspiring journey from NASA intern to health tech entrepreneur, and how her family’s experience sparked a mission to help others plan ahead with confidence.

If long-term care planning has been on your mind—or should be—this is a conversation worth hearing.

• How catch-up contributions are getting a big boost for people aged 60-63
• Why Roth 401(k)s are becoming a bigger deal — especially for higher earners
• The growing trend of adding private market and crypto investments inside retirement plans (should you be excited or concerned?)
• New guaranteed lifetime income options and what they mean for your future paychecks in retirement

• How to make the most of new catch-up contribution rules
• What “Rothification” means for your taxes and withdrawals
• The pros and cons of adding alternative investments to your 401(k)
• Smart questions to ask your employer or financial advisor

If you’re like a lot of people nearing retirement, your 401(k) or 403(b) is probably the biggest part of your savings. But do you actually know how it’s invested—or how much risk in stocks you’re taking on without realizing it?

In this episode of Friends Talk Money, we’re going to look more closely. Ron Surz, a long-time retirement investing expert and president of Target Date Solutions joins us—and he’s not afraid to call out where he thinks popular target date funds are falling short. He’ll walk us through what he believes is a better way to structure retirement portfolios, especially for people in their 50s, 60s, and those already retired.

• What’s really under the hood in your retirement plan
• The real risks inside target date funds—and how they’re built
• What Ron recommends instead, and why
• What to think about before you roll over your retirement savings
• The most common mistakes people make late in the game—and how to avoid them.

• Terry Savage: What's in YOUR retirement plan? (Chicago Tribune)
• Baby Boomer Investing Show
• Ron Surz, Target Date Solutions (401k Specialist)
• 4 Things You Can Control in Retirement (Pam Krueger)

Is your financial advisor truly working in your best interest — or theirs? In this eye-opening episode, the Friends Talk Money team turns the mic toward their own co-host, Pam Krueger, as she reveals the personal story behind Wealthramp, the platform she created to connect investors with trustworthy, vetted financial advisors.

Pam shares the shocking truths she uncovered about conflicts of interest in the financial industry and why too many investors unknowingly work with advisors who don’t prioritize their clients' financial well-being. Learn how Wealthramp is disrupting the traditional advisor model by putting integrity, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility front and center.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find a financial advisor you can actually trust — this conversation is a must-watch.

• Key Social Security changes for 2025 and beyond
• How these updates may affect your benefits
• Strategies to optimize your Social Security claiming decisions
• Common mistakes to avoid when planning for retirement

Ready to explore the world without breaking the bank? The Friends Talk Money crew sat down  with Barbara Talisman from Talisman Travel Tribe, who shares her top tips for traveling the world on a shoestring budget! From finding cheap flights to scoring affordable accommodations, Barbara's got you covered. What's your go-to tip for saving money while traveling?

Looking for help this tax season? The Friends Talk Money team welcomes IRS spokesperson Eric Smith to discuss important tax changes and tax planning strategies. As a trusted tax accountant for the IRS, Eric breaks down the difference between tax credits and deductions, and shares valuable insights into new tools ‘direct file’ and ‘free file’ and other crucial matters that could affect your finances. Listen for more informative tips on how you should navigate the complex world of taxes!

Rebuilding your finances after a disaster can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The Friends Talk Money crew sits down to learn more from Wealthramp-network advisor Mitchell Freedman, CPA/PFS, who’s lived through this before himself. His personal and practical tips on preparing for and recovering from financial crises are invaluable. Mitch highlights how working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor can help those affected by a disaster recover financially. Listen to learn more!