What happens if you outlive your spouse by 10, 20—even 30 years? What if, during one of the hardest seasons of your life, you suddenly become the one responsible for the money, the real estate, the taxes, and every major financial decision?
In this special guest appearance on Growing Your Wealth with Brian Evans and Jeff Shade, Danielle Meister, CFF, CDFA joins the conversation to explore the realities women face in long-term financial planning. Together, they dive into longevity, widowhood, caregiving, and the subtle ways fear and uncertainty can push women toward overly conservative decisions that quietly undermine their future security.
Danielle and Brian unpack the cornerstone issues that shape a woman’s financial life—why cash flow planning becomes even more critical when women tend to live longer, how Social Security strategies like spousal, widow, and divorce benefits can dramatically impact outcomes, and why relying on a single income source can increase stress instead of reducing it. They also discuss what happens when one spouse manages the rental properties and the other is left to inherit a role they never wanted, the overlooked tax opportunities that can appear during caregiving years, and how to approach gifting in a way that supports the next generation without sacrificing your own stability.
This episode is a powerful reminder that wealth isn’t just about returns—it’s about readiness. It’s about knowing where the accounts are, understanding your options, and having a plan in place before life forces you to navigate it alone.
If you’re a woman who wants to feel more confident, more involved, and more prepared—or if you love a woman and want her protected—this conversation is for you.