Looking Forward Our Way

We welcome Cory Paul, the Executive Director of the Greater Columbus Chapter of the American Red Cross. We discuss a range of crucial topics including the Hero Care Network for service members and their families, training programs like CPR and first aid, and emergency preparedness.

We unpack the Red Cross's comprehensive approach to disaster response, its effective collaboration with emergency management agencies, and the importance of building personalized preparedness kits for your family.

Cory shares insights on the necessity of having essential items like medications, important documents, and comfort items for children during emergencies. We also cover the practical aspects of staying informed and having alternative communication methods in place when disaster strikes.

We explore how you can be better prepared for any unexpected events, the life-saving benefits of AED training, and the importance of community resilience. Whether it's responding to house fires, offering blood services, supporting older adults, or engaging volunteers, the American Red Cross is there to help.

Top Takeaways

**Hero Care Network**: Offers crucial support and resources to service members and their families, addressing unique needs and challenges.

**CPR, First Aid, AED Training**: The Red Cross provides essential life-saving training, including CPR, First Aid, AED training, babysitting classes, and aquatics programs.

**Disaster Preparedness**: The Red Cross collaborates with emergency management agencies and other organizations to mobilize volunteers and resources.

**Personalized Preparedness Kits**: Cory Paul stresses that preparedness kits should be personalized to meet individual and family needs, considering factors such as medications, important documents, pet supplies, and children's comfort items.

**Communication Strategies**: Effective emergency planning includes having alternative methods for contacting loved ones and establishing meeting places in case of separation during disasters.

**Importance of Water and Essentials**: Cory emphasizes building preparedness kits gradually, starting with a 3-day supply of essentials such as water, and integrating emergency planning into daily routines.

**Fire Safety Initiatives**: The Red Cross installs free smoke alarms, conducts home fire safety checks, and provides recommendations for smaller, easier-to-handle fire extinguishers, especially for older adults.

Key Moments

00:00 Dedicated 13-year Red Cross service across Ohio.

05:57 Red Cross provides various services, including disasters.

09:07 First aid, CPR, AED crucial in emergencies.

12:53 Collaboration among agencies for effective emergency response.

16:38 "Tips for preparing and organizing supplies."

19:55 Consider geographic location when preparing for emergencies.

22:49 College dorm fire, electricity issues, disaster experience.

26:26 Prepare emergency kits with essentials for evacuation.

29:19 Prepare for emergencies, stay connected with loved ones.

31:24 Plan emergency locations, connected with family.

35:02 Juggling tornado impact, emergency preparedness for seniors.

40:29 Contact 1-800-Red-Cross for help or classes.

44:02 Free hands-only CPR classes offered by Red Cross.

47:05 Learn from past incidents, use data. Leaders.

48:59 Building relationships with small and large teams.

51:29 Seeking volunteers, motivating, and serving nobly.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

We're thrilled to have Chanda Wingo, Director of the Franklin County Office on Aging. She shares insights on an innovative blueprint aimed at understanding the impact of an aging community and guiding local stakeholders in allocating necessary resources.

We explore the various programs and support systems the Office on Aging provides, such as the successful Senior Options levy program, which has been aiding seniors for over three decades.

Director Wingo also sheds light on the critical issues confronting our aging population, including housing, food insecurity, and workforce shortages. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting caregivers, combating ageism, and the role of community involvement in ensuring the well-being of older adults.

Learn how Franklin County is working tirelessly to support its seniors, ensuring they have the resources and services needed to age in place with dignity and independence.

Top Takeaways

Director Chanda Wingo is developing a comprehensive blueprint to guide community stakeholders in understanding the impact of an aging population and allocating resources effectively.

The Senior Options program, successful for 32 years and supported by voters, will seek renewal in 2027. This program includes vital services such as minor home repair and in-home support.

Adult Protective Services addresses elder abuse and neglect, with self-neglect being the primary issue. The goal is to keep seniors safely in their homes whenever possible.

Conducted in late 2021, the community needs assessment revealed that most (over 94%) seniors wish to remain in their homes, highlighting the need for home-based support services.

Recognizing the critical role of caregivers, the Office on Aging offers programs that support family members who provide care, including financial assistance and resources.

Social isolation among seniors can lead to severe health impacts. Families, friends, and neighbors are encouraged to check in on older adults to provide support and combat loneliness.

Collaborations with youth groups aim to spark interest in caregiving professions and create advocates for older adults by fostering intergenerational relationships.

The office is implementing new technologies, including a self-service portal and video calling, to make it easier for seniors to access services and communicate with caregivers.

Ageism remains a significant issue, impacting employment and resource access for older adults. Awareness campaigns and training are necessary to combat ageism as a social determinant of health.

The Bridge Team Initiative aims to increase community connectivity and provide face-to-face contact and services, with Case Managers placed in hospitals to assist seniors and their families.

Key Moments

07:32 Grocery cost rise, food insecurity, workforce challenge.

12:14 Caregivers valued, need support and resources available.

13:40 Phone calls vital for seniors' health and care.

16:43 Generational demographics impact society, aging population addressed.

21:17 Approaching midpoint, levy renewal expected in 2027.

23:30 Protective Services validate, support seniors, address neglect.

27:36 Caregiver focus, support, resources for stressful role.

31:51 Promoting community events and launching new initiative.

35:19 Ohio faces caregiver shortage, need for support.

39:04 Tech drop-ins build intergenerational bonds and advocacy.

41:37 Kinship program needs extra attention for success.

46:10 Ageism deep, comparable to other discriminations.

47:12 Combatting ageism through awareness and accountability efforts.

51:15 Expanding outreach to serve seniors and community.

53:56 System update will improve client interaction efficiency.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

We welcome Eric Rutkowski, the program director for Leveling The Playing Field Ohio. Eric shares his inspiring mission to support youth sports across Ohio by ensuring that programs in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati can share equipment and resources.

We'll talk about the importance of community donations, the need for unrestricted funds, and the desire for an independent warehouse to better serve these youth programs.

Eric will also discuss how teams and schools can apply for equipment, emphasize the critical role of volunteers, and share the aspirations for expanding this impactful initiative statewide.

Get ready to explore how sports can provide invaluable life lessons and opportunities for kids and how you can get involved in leveling the playing field for youth sports across Ohio.

Top Takeaways

Eric Rutkowski works to ensure that youth sports programs in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are aware of each other and can share sports equipment to maximize resources across Ohio.

Donations ensure that all sports equipment can be provided free of charge, and more staffing and a dedicated van are needed for better service.

Teams and schools can apply for sports equipment through a streamlined process.

The organization accepts various sports equipment, including specialized items, to introduce kids to new sports and broaden their experiences.

Volunteers play a vital role in sorting, inventorying, and cleaning the warehouse.

Equipment collection drives are a primary method for gathering donations, often organized as service projects by young people, which is crucial for sustaining the inventory.

Support from organizations like Besa and The Columbus Foundation have been instrumental in expanding Leveling The Playing Field to Ohio.

Leveling the Playing Field is a national organization with significant reach, having assisted over 2,000 organizations and donated over $14 million worth of sports equipment.

Key Moments

00:00 Active in nonprofits, sports, and community engagement.

03:43 Max Levitt saw equipment waste, started donation program.

06:59 Columbus organizations address declining youth sports trends.

13:13 Donating sports equipment to benefit many players.

16:31 LPF relies on grassroots efforts for equipment.

20:43 Installed collection bins at sports facilities and stores.

24:13 Educators access free gear to support programs.

25:52 Kids and families set up collection boxes.

30:58 Leveling the playing field for Ohio communities.

34:22 Secure donations and community support for growth.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

In this episode, we talk about the intricate world of digital estates with our expert guest, Larae Schraeder from Schraeder Law.

As our lives become increasingly intertwined with digital platforms, from social media to online banking, the question arises: What happens to these digital assets when we pass away? Larae will guide us through the legal landscape of digital estates, offering essential tips on how to manage and protect our digital presence effectively in our wills and estate planning.

Top Takeaways

1. Digital assets encompass not only obvious items like social media accounts and online banking, but also less obvious ones such as PIN numbers, passwords, and digital files like photos stored in the cloud.

2. A digital executor is someone appointed to manage and oversee your digital assets after you pass away.

3. Simply knowing someone's password does not legally empower an individual to manage their digital assets.

4. Creating a comprehensive list of all digital assets is a fundamental first step in digital estate planning.

5. Handling digital financial assets, like bank accounts or investments, without proper authorization can lead to legal violations.

6. The executor of a digital estate should ideally be tech-savvy as this role requires managing various types of digital platforms and understanding digital security protocols.

7. Platforms like Facebook and Apple ID allow users to set up legacy contacts who can manage digital assets posthumously without needing the password.

8. Digital estate planning should consider security measures such as two-factor authentication which protects digital information but also acknowledges the executor’s need for access posthumously.

9. Active management of digital assets involves not just accessing accounts but properly closing them or managing ongoing subscriptions and payments.

10. While a will may address digital assets, adding specific instructions for each type of digital asset or account can be beneficial.

Memorable Moments

04:46 Identify all digital accounts and secure them.

09:18 Granting authority must be carefully considered.

12:42 Assets like Amazon points are part of estate.

14:54 Formalize will with specific instructions for executor.

19:56 Identifying and avoiding common client mistakes.

21:40 Set up legacy contacts for Apple and Facebook.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

We have a special announcement: Employment Forward Seniors, a casualty of the pandemic, now finds a new home under the New Directions Career Center as Mature Works.

Joining us are experts Kat Yamaguchi and Jami Phillips from New Directions Career Center. With rich backgrounds in nonprofit program development and job seeker support, they share insights on the unique challenges older job seekers face, such as transferable skills communication, navigating online applications, and balancing life responsibilities.

We discuss the importance of in-person workshops, and the expansion of services to support older adults, including resume building, social media branding, and tech training through programs like Tech Women of Color.

Top Takeaways

New Directions, historically focused on career development for women, now extends its services to include men and older adults, marked by community workshops and one-on-one support.

Older adults face distinct hurdles like conveying transferable skills, juggling life responsibilities, and adapting to online application processes. The center helps address these challenges.

Programs offered include in-person workshops on resume building, social media branding, and entrepreneurship. The center also provides individual career counseling.

By partnering with various organizations, New Directions offers free resources for older job seekers, emphasizing the importance of training, reskilling, and upskilling.

New Directions builds strong relationships with employers and advocates for older candidates, emphasizing flexibility and mutual benefits in hiring older workers.

Key Moments

06:13 Older job seekers have valuable skills.

07:23 Employers should consider part-time and remote work.

13:19 Yearlong process to develop customized programs for seniors.

15:34 Program for job seekers 55+, meet weekly.

25:38 In-person workshops meet job seekers' specific needs.

28:30 Urgent need for training and upskilling.

33:07 Flexibility in work hours benefits both parties.

37:49 Seek client feedback, embrace new work culture.

42:04 Resources for job search across the country.

45:37 Access to programs should not be limited.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

The episode focuses on the challenges and solutions associated with ageism in the workplace, particularly concerning mature adults. With insights from experts Dr. Phillip Taylor and Dr. Phyllis Cummins, the discussion explores the importance of addressing age discrimination, rethinking job roles for older workers, and the benefits of intergenerational collaboration.

Dr. Phyllis Cummins, Senior Research Scholar, Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, and Fellow for the Gerontological Society of America.

Dr. Phillip Taylor, Professor, Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, England. Fellow for the Gerontological Society of America and Associate Editor, Ageing & Society; Convenor, Aging Workforce Interest Group for the Gerontological Society of America.

Key Points Discussed

1. Ageism manifests in various phases of employment, from hiring practices to job retention and retirement.

2. Older workers encounter barriers when seeking employment, such as outdated perceptions regarding their skills and adaptability.

3. Older workers are seen as valuable resources for training and mentoring younger employees, bridging knowledge gaps, and fostering a collaborative environment.

4. Flexibility in job roles and hours can significantly benefit older workers and employees across all age groups.

5. Integrating intergenerational mentoring and training programs can leverage the varying skills and perspectives of different age groups, enhancing the work environment.

6. The concept of retirement is evolving, with many adults wishing to remain in the workforce beyond traditional retirement ages.

7. Challenges with technology are significant obstacles for older job applicants; however, assumptions about their ineptitude are often misplaced.

8. Policies need to be adjusted to help integrate and retain older workers, offering them alternative positions or reduced hours without loss of respect or opportunities.

Memorable Moments

09:35 Age-blind reviewing of resumes, avoid ageism.

11:09 Attitude and skills in job interviews matter.

20:49 Defining "older workers" and challenging assumptions.

26:31 Age advocate emphasizes benefits for all workers.

32:22 Equal pay, productivity, and retaining competitive employees.

38:01 Employers fear age discrimination, reluctant to talk.

39:03 Employers must offer flexible alternative work options.

53:13 Promote reskilling for older workers, lifelong learning.

58:47 Adult education still lags, must diversify learning.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

We are joined by tech experts Andy Landrum and Alex West from Nice Guy Technology.

We dive into the importance of rebooting your computer, the crucial practice of backing up data, and the precautions you should take with USB drives.

Andy and Alex share insights from their rich background, offering practical advice on diagnosing tech problems and differentiating between hardware and software issues.

We also explore how cloud services like OneDrive and Dropbox stack up against traditional backup solutions, and the benefits of using VPNs and secure Wi-Fi networks.

Top Takeaways

1. **Importance of Rebooting**: Rebooting a computer is a critical step for resolving a range of issues, as it resets all processes.

2. **Backup Necessity**: Regularly backing up data is vital to prevent significant data losses due to hardware failures or cyberattacks.

3. **Safe Tech Practices**: To avoid potential security risks, never use random USB drives found in public spaces and be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

4. **Internet Troubleshooting**: Common tech problems, such as network issues, can often be diagnosed and fixed by checking for Internet outages, updating drivers, or performing a network reset.

5. **Driver Updates**: Keep system drivers up to date using software like Driver Booster to maintain optimal performance and avoid technical glitches.

6. **Device Preferences**: Mac and PC each have their benefits and drawbacks.

7. **Home Network Security**: Consider using Unifi Ubiquiti products for better Wi-Fi coverage and enhanced security features.

8. **App Maintenance**: Ignoring app updates can cause functionality issues down the line.

9. **Role of External Components**: Issues can stem from external devices like monitors, internet modems, cables, mice, and keyboards.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Always learning from Nice Guy's tech videos.

05:51 Stay calm, assess the situation logically.

06:22 Reboot, update drivers, reset network, troubleshoot Internet.

12:34 Differences: Windows easier to fix than Mac.

22:29 Restart computer first, physical shutdown if necessary.

23:52 Driver Booster: identifies and updates outdated drivers.

32:36 Beware of public Wi-Fi for sensitive info.

36:08 Cloud services store information on the network.

37:15 Cloud storage is a more secure option.

41:38 Cloud services are convenient but backup crucial.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

In this episode, we look into a harrowing yet crucial topic—human trafficking. Joined by our special guest Theresa Flores, the founder of The SOAP Project, we explore the intricacies of combating this pervasive issue. Theresa, a survivor of human trafficking herself, shares her profound insights and the impactful work being done by her organization to rescue victims and raise awareness.

We cover the operations and outreach efforts of The SOAP Project, from distributing millions of bars of soap labeled with hotline numbers to organizing large events in collaboration with local communities.

Discover why states like Ohio rank among the top in trafficking cases, how traffickers are evolving to avoid detection, and the alarming reality of familial trafficking in rural areas.

Additionally, Theresa emphasizes the critical role of media in raising awareness and the continuous efforts needed to support survivors, including prospective wellness programs and significant legislative advocacy.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Realized purpose: advocate against human trafficking.

04:08 Moving a lot, lacking support, led vulnerability.

08:15 Human trafficking, statistics, call for media attention.

11:46 Providing help for human trafficking victims.

14:47 Polaris Project helps victims of human trafficking.

17:13 Rural areas have more trafficking of minors.

24:42 Prostitution seen as choice, but often oppression.

27:10 Neighbors can help spot and aid victims.

32:40 Becoming a survivor advocate, changing human trafficking laws.

33:25 Fought for laws against human trafficking, succeeded.

36:49 Raised $30,000 for new dentures, future programs.

41:02 Memoir reveals journey from trauma to empowerment.

Top Takeaways

Engaging volunteers in efforts to combat human trafficking involves navigating and ensuring their safety in potentially dangerous situations.

The SOAP Project organizes sting operations to help victims, signaling an active approach in rescuing those trapped in trafficking situations.

Operating for about 15-20 years, the Polaris Project plays a crucial role in trafficking identification, with extensive reporting available online.

Ohio ranks among the top five states for human trafficking due to its metropolitan areas, with familial trafficking also prevalent in rural settings.

With the distribution of 3,000,000 bars of soap, the SOAP Project raises awareness nationwide, supported by a diverse team including law enforcement and community organizations.

There is a critical need for balanced and empathetic media coverage that focuses on victims rather than sensationalizing their situations, thus addressing the real human cost of trafficking.

The SOAP Project not only focuses on raising awareness but also on providing direct support such as hotline numbers on soap bars, connecting victims to local contacts, and offering wellness weekends for survivors.

Combating human trafficking requires substantial financial resources, often sourced through community support, donations, and fundraising events to maintain outreach programs.

Theresa Flores advocates for educational initiatives to inform youth about trafficking risks and legislative changes to protect victims and prosecute traffickers effectively.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Garden For All blossoms with hope and inspiration as we explore the fertile ground of food security efforts led by our expert guest, Beth NeCamp, the executive director of Garden For All.

Amidst the thorns of food insecurity, The Garden For All sprouted as a beacon of nourishment and education during the pandemic, founded by the compassionate duo, Catherine and Shawn Duffy in New Albany.

Beth, with her rich background in communications and community engagement, joins us to shed light on how their organization has cultivated over 8,000 pounds of fresh produce for area pantries, engaged over 250 volunteers, and added beauty to their bounty with the mindful inclusion of flowers.

We unearth the importance of "food as medicine," the growth of The Garden For All, and its symbiotic relationship with partners like (GRIN) Gahanna Residents In Need, Broad Street Presbyterian Food Pantry, and Motherful. We dig deeper into how their initiatives—from "sew and grow" events to implementing high tunnel systems for year-round cultivation—nurture both people and the community.

Top Takeaways

**Community Collaboration**: The Garden For All partners with local organizations to address food insecurity and support those in need, promoting a strong sense of community through collective action.

**Educational Initiatives**: Beyond food distribution, The Garden For All focuses on educating the community with events like "sew and grow," empowering individuals to produce their own food and promoting long-term self-sufficiency.

**Volunteerism and Impact**: The Garden For All is a testament to how volunteers can make a substantial difference, with opportunities available for varied interests, including gardening, packaging, delivery, and flower arranging.

**Resource Accessibility for Those in Need**: The organization ensures that people in need of food assistance are guided to available resources, highlighting websites like the Mid Ohio Food Collective for support services.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Addressing social determinants of health improves outcomes.

03:53 Food pantry progress: nutritious, holistic, hospital support.

07:23 Community initiative grows, uniting people, addressing needs.

11:55 Expand partnerships, volunteer base, systemize, and communicate.

14:35 Flower garden donated, promoted, and connected volunteers.

17:22 New Albany community supports local food pantry.

20:15 Promoting education through gardening events and programs.

26:01 Encourage involvement in community, make a difference.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Ben Hoeger, Director, Private Wealth Management – Baird, shares valuable advice on building a strong financial foundation.

Hoeger stresses the critical role of referrals in selecting reliable financial advisors and advocates for a meaningful, almost friendly relationship with them for a successful long-term partnership.

We discuss the shift from reliance on pensions and social security to individual responsibility for retirement savings. Plus, start financially sound habits early, especially for those within the gig economy.

Our conversation touches on the need for purpose-driven financial planning and the dynamic nature of managing one’s finances as life evolves. Retirement planning should focus on the context of one’s life goals, encouraging listeners to find their purpose that can steer financial decisions.

Top Takeaways

**Referrals for Trustworthy Advisors**: Start your search for financial advisors by asking for referrals from friends, family, and colleagues.

**Relationships Matter**: Aim to build a close, friendship-like relationship to foster long-term collaboration and tailored advice.

**Continuous Financial Education**: Engage in continuous learning and self-advocacy to maintain confidence in your financial decisions.

**Understanding Personal Financial Purpose**: Recognize that understanding your unique financial purpose is key to making smart money choices that align with your personal values and long-term aspirations.

**The Need for Flexibility in Retirement Planning**: Plan for retirement with flexibility, acknowledging the uncertainty of future costs, potential health issues, and the evolving nature of personal circumstances.

Memorable Moments

06:33 Start preparing early, plan prevents detours.

09:40 Creating a financial plan adds structure to life.

17:18 Planning for financial independence and long-term goals.

20:39 Importance of purpose, vision, and focus.

32:30 Personal retirement responsibility, start good habits early.

35:03 Retirement dynamics shifting due to changing employment.

40:49 Discussing financial planning for retirement and taxes.

42:08 Diversification in investments and taxes for retirement.

45:08 Maximize tax savings through strategic investment planning.

51:36 Utilize your network for trustworthy CPAs and attorneys.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson