In today's episode of From Middle Class to Millions, Shannon shares the final chapter of Lisa's story, a 53-year-old high-earning woman who spent years avoiding her finances, feeling overwhelmed, and doubting she could ever build a million-dollar net worth. In just 30 days, everything changed.

You'll hear how Lisa went from scattered accounts, old 401(k)s, financial anxiety, and analysis paralysis… to a clear net worth plan, an investment strategy she actually understands, and a path to financial independence she never thought was possible.

This episode breaks down:

• Why it's not too late to start building wealth in your 40s, 50s, or 60s

• How organizing your accounts can relieve years of stress in one month

• The simple wealth-building strategies high earners overlook

• Why basic financial literacy, not perfection, is the real unlock

• How six-figure income earners can grow to seven-figure net worth with a clear plan

• How to rethink money, investing, retirement savings, and long-term security

If you're a high-earning woman who's been Googling "how to start investing," "retirement planning," "how to build wealth," or "is it too late for me?" at 2AM this episode is your permission slip to start now.

➡️ Book your consultation and get the same 30-day money transformation Lisa experienced. ➡️ Share this episode with another woman who needs to know she is not behind.

Your million-dollar net worth starts with clarity and clarity starts today.

Part 2 of 3 | Listen to Part 1 here

Feeling paralyzed by financial decisions? In this episode, we continue Lisa's story—a 53-year-old professional who outsourced money management for 20 years and now faces the overwhelming task of taking control of her financial future.

Discover the three-phase framework for building wealth from the ground up: getting organized, stabilizing your foundation, and entering the growth phase. Learn why financial planning starts with complete clarity—gathering all accounts, calculating your net worth, and understanding actual cash flow, not estimates.

For 1099 contractors and self-employed professionals, we discuss critical gaps in benefits coverage including disability insurance and life insurance that W-2 employees take for granted. Plus, explore strategic debt payoff methods that don't sacrifice investment opportunities and time in the market.

We tackle the college versus retirement planning dilemma: why your kids can take out loans for education, but you cannot borrow for retirement. Learn to create automated money management systems that work during life's chaos, eliminating daily financial anxiety.

Whether you're a high-earning woman, first-generation wealth builder, or someone ready to stop worrying and start building real financial independence, this episode provides actionable steps toward long-term wealth building and security.

Book a consultation to start your journey from overwhelmed to in control.

Next week: Part 3 - The Growth Phase: Building Real Wealth

Feeling overwhelmed by your finances at 50+? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into Lisa's story—a 53-year-old breadwinner who recently sold an investment property and found herself paralyzed by a major financial decision.

Despite being the primary earner for 20 years, Lisa struggled with financial literacy and handed off money management to her husband. Now facing potential layoffs as a 1099 contractor, scattered 401(k) rollover accounts, and college tuition bills, she's ready to take control.

We explore common retirement planning challenges for women, including the mental barriers that prevent us from believing we can build wealth later in life. Can you really become a millionaire starting at 53? Absolutely.

This episode addresses emergency fund strategies, managing investment property proceeds, debt payoff priorities, and overcoming the fear of making financial mistakes. Whether you're dealing with career transitions, supporting a family as the breadwinner, or simply haven't been paying attention to your money, this story offers hope and practical guidance.

Learn why the best time to take control of your personal finance journey was yesterday - and the second-best time is right now. Part two reveals our complete action plan for Lisa's financial transformation.

In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, Shannon gets personal about the money conversations shaping our homes and our daughters' futures. She shares her own story growing up in a middle-class immigrant family in Toronto, where financial scarcity was the soundtrack of success. "We're broke." "We can't afford that." Those words stick - and for many women, they become the money mindset we pass on to the next generation.

Shannon breaks down how fear and silence around money keep women from building wealth, understanding investing, or creating financial independence. She unpacks the generational impact of poverty mindsets, divorce, widowhood, and financial abuse, and why women must reclaim control of their finances to protect their freedom and choices.

You'll learn why financial literacy isn't just about budgeting or saving, it's about empowerment. It's about modeling confidence, independence, and abundance for your daughters (and sons), so they grow up believing money is not a man's game.

Whether you're 35 or 65, Shannon reminds you: it's never too late to change your financial story, build wealth, and create generational freedom.

👉 Listen now and Book A Call to learn how to talk about money differently — and start transforming not only your finances but your family legacy.

Are you tired of being told what you should have by now, how much you should've saved by 30, invested by 40, or earned by 50? In this episode, Shannon flips that outdated script and breaks down why real financial success has nothing to do with your age and everything to do with your stage.

Shannon reveals the five money stages: Clarity & Cleanup, Stability, Growth, Freedom, and Legacy and shows you how to identify where you are right now so you can move forward with confidence. You'll learn how to stop comparing your finances to other people's highlight reels and start focusing on your own financial journey.

Whether you're a first-generation high earner, a late-start investor, or a mid-career professional finally ready to get organized, this episode will help you take back control of your money story and design a realistic plan for financial independence and generational wealth.

You'll also hear how Shannon used her own "late start" to create massive growth - proving it's never too early or too late to build wealth, invest wisely, and live the life you want.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• The danger of comparing "money ages"

• The 5 money stages and how to level up

• How to build wealth and peace of mind at any age

• Practical steps using the WINS Framework: Wants, Investing, Needs, and Savings

🎙️ Ready to find your stage and build your next chapter of financial freedom? 👉 Book your money consultation today.

Ready to level up your financial planning game? This episode covers everything from retirement savings strategies to college funding essentials that every parent needs to know.

Discover critical 401k changes coming in 2026 that affect catch-up contributions for high earners over 50. If your income exceeds $145,000, your catch-up dollars must go into a Roth 401k - learn why you need to check with HR now before this tax advantage disappears.

Dive deep into college savings strategies including 529 plans versus taxable brokerage accounts, and learn the game-changing 2024 rule allowing $35,000 in unused 529 funds to transfer to a Roth IRA. Plus, get the golden rule: always prioritize retirement planning over college savings - you can't take out loans for retirement.

Get an insider's look at a real estate investment group and the lessons learned about wealth building through property investing. Learn why financial independence requires honest money conversations and strategic investment strategies.

Whether you're focused on saving money, building passive income, or creating a comprehensive personal finance roadmap, this episode delivers actionable money management tips for your journey to financial freedom.

Book a financial planning consultation to discuss your retirement goals and investment portfolio today.

Discover how consistent 401k contributions and smart investing strategies can transform your financial future. In this episode, I share my personal journey building over $2 million in retirement savings through my employer's 401k plan - including the mistakes I made and lessons learned along the way.

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between traditional 401k and Roth 401k contributions and why it matters

• How to maximize your employer match (free money you can't ignore)

• Why I never maxed out my 401k but still built substantial wealth

• The 401k rollover process when leaving an employer

• Investment fund selection strategies: from target-date funds to index funds

• How automating retirement contributions creates wealth on autopilot

Key Topics Covered: Financial independence, retirement planning, wealth building strategies, investment portfolio diversification, passive income through investing, 401k to IRA rollover, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, compound interest, financial literacy, money management, long-term investing, retirement savings goals, building generational wealth

Whether you're just starting your career or playing catch-up on retirement savings, this episode proves it's never too late to invest in your future. Learn how focusing on workplace retirement benefits beyond just salary can accelerate your path to financial freedom.

Perfect for: millennials investing, Gen X retirement planning, beginner investors, personal finance enthusiasts

Need your wealth strategy? Book a sales call with me today and let's get started.

It's the final quarter of 2025, and there's still plenty of time to take intentional steps with your money. In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, Shannon breaks down how to finish the year strong, both in your finances and in your mindset. From boosting your 401(k) contributions before the December 31 deadline to maximizing your HSA and IRA, Shannon shares practical strategies to grow wealth while avoiding costly financial mistakes.

But this episode isn't just about year-end planning—it's also a cautionary tale. Shannon highlights the shocking story of Chalene and Bret Johnson, who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to a fraudulent financial advisor. Their experience, along with the stories of Shannon's clients, illustrates why financial literacy and intentional money management are non-negotiables—especially for high earners who don't want to feel broke or be taken advantage of.

If you're a first-generation high earner, navigating retirement planning, investing, and building generational wealth can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can protect yourself, grow your money, and avoid financial pitfalls.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Year-end personal finance strategies (401k, HSA, IRA contributions)

• How to protect yourself from financial advisor fraud

• Why high earners must prioritize financial literacy

• How intentional money habits build long-term wealth

Tune in to start closing out the year with confidence and clarity.

Are you a high earner making six figures but still feeling financially stressed? This episode tackles why personal finance success isn't just about income—it's about building true wealth.

I reveal the critical difference between comfort and financial independence: comfort means paying bills without panic, while wealth means passive income that works even when you don't. Many first-generation high earners lack a roadmap for turning their substantial income into lasting wealth building strategies.

• Why six-figure salaries don't guarantee financial security

• The hidden cost of lifestyle inflation on your investment portfolio

• How scattered accounts without a system sabotage retirement planning

• The power of compounding interest and why delays cost thousands

• Asset allocation strategies for high-income professionals

• Creating multiple income streams beyond your day job

Stop letting money sit idle in savings accounts, make it work through strategic investing. Whether through index funds, real estate investing, or business ventures, the goal is building financial freedom where money flows in without trading time.

The episode emphasizes getting organized with clear financial goals, understanding your true living costs, and automating investment strategies. True wealth security means having options and the freedom to pivot careers or take breaks without financial stress.

Ready to transform your high income into lasting wealth? The time to start building your financial independence is now. Book your consultation with Shannon today.

Are you a HENRY (High Earner Not Rich Yet) making six figures but still feeling financially scattered? This episode is your roadmap to millionaire status without extreme frugality.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why high earners struggle with wealth building despite strong incomes

• The "Fancy FIRE" approach to financial independence

• Investment automation strategies for busy professionals

• Portfolio management made simple through wealth mapping

• Retirement planning for first-generation high earners

Shannon breaks down how personal finance doesn't require living like you're broke. Learn practical money management systems that let you enjoy life while building passive income streams. Discover how to organize scattered 401k, Roth IRA, and brokerage accounts into one cohesive investment strategy.

Perfect for: Six-figure earners ready to simplify their financial planning, professionals seeking wealth building without deprivation, and anyone wanting to align their financial goals with their lifestyle.

Main Takeaway: With proper budgeting and investment automation, earning $200K annually can generate over $2 million in 20 years through compound interest and index fund investing.

Stop letting financial complexity hold you back from financial freedom. Your path to becoming a millionaire starts with organization, automation, and alignment, not sacrifice.

Ready to build your millionaire system? Book a consultation to discuss personalized financial coaching and financial literacy strategies.