Money Sense

Helping grandchildren financially is about much more than simply giving money. Thoughtful planning can create opportunities for education, encourage healthy financial habits, and establish a lasting family legacy that benefits future generations.

This week on Money Sense, Nick Kibardin, MBA, CFP®, welcomes Sandy Miller, Wealth Advisor Associate at Ellenbecker Investment Group, for a conversation about seven ways grandparents can help their grandchildren. Drawing from both her professional experience and her role as a grandmother of seven, Sandy shares practical strategies for gifting, saving, investing, and passing along financial values that can make a meaningful impact for years to come.

The discussion covers everything from cash gifts and Roth IRA opportunities for working teenagers to 529 plans, custodial accounts, trusts, direct tuition payments, appreciated stock gifting strategies, and the newly introduced Trump Accounts. Along the way, Nick and Sandy highlight the importance of financial education and how grandparents can use these tools not only to transfer wealth, but also to teach responsibility and stewardship.

Episode Highlights:

1:20 | #1 Gifting cash and teaching financial responsibility
4:42 | Using earned income and Roth IRAs to build long-term wealth
5:43 | #2 Understanding the benefits of 529 college savings plans
9:41 | New flexibility for 529 plans, including Roth IRA rollovers
10:38 | #3 How custodial (UTMA) accounts can teach investing fundamentals
15:36 | #4 Using trusts to create a lasting family legacy
18:36 | #5 Direct tuition and medical payments as gifting strategies
20:42 | #6 The advantages and considerations of gifting appreciated stock
23:58 | #7 Exploring the new Trump Accounts and their potential benefits
28:15 | Educational resources available through Ellenbecker Investment Group
29:48 | Final thoughts on financial education, family values, and legacy planning

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management services for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations. EIG's planning-first approach helps clients align their financial decisions with their values, goals, and long-term vision for the future.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to specific products, services, legislation, or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group. Before making financial, tax, or estate planning decisions, consult with qualified professionals familiar with your individual circumstances.

Markets are constantly balancing optimism and uncertainty. While headlines often focus on volatility, long-term success comes from understanding the forces driving investment decisions and maintaining a disciplined strategy aligned with your goals.

This week on Money Sense, Jamie Williams welcomes Dick Schiller, CFA and Senior Wealth Advisor at Pavlic Investment Advisors, for a discussion on the current investment landscape. Together, they explore the ongoing bull versus bear market debate, the impact of artificial intelligence on corporate earnings and market performance, and what investors should be watching as economic conditions continue to evolve.

The conversation also takes a deeper look at fixed income investing, including today's interest rate environment, the role of bonds in a diversified portfolio, and how thoughtful asset allocation can help investors navigate uncertainty. Dick shares insights on corporate bonds, market expectations for interest rates, and why maintaining a long-term perspective remains essential regardless of market conditions.

Episode Highlights:

PAVLIC INVESTMENT ADVISORS
Pavlic Investment Advisors is an independent investment management firm providing portfolio management, fixed income expertise, and investment consulting services for individuals, families, institutions, and financial advisors. The firm focuses on disciplined investment strategies, risk management, and customized portfolio solutions designed to help clients pursue their long-term financial goals.
Website: pavlic.com

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions we face, yet most retirement conversations focus solely on the financial side.

In this episode of Money Sense, Senior Wealth Advisor Jean Range sits down with Dr. Jessica Fischer, Brown Deer Campus Director of Clinical Services at Rogers Behavioral Health, to discuss the emotional and psychological realities of retirement.

Jean and Dr. Fischer discuss the stages of retirement, the importance of purpose and community, signs that loneliness or depression may be developing, and practical ways to prepare emotionally for this next chapter of life. They also share resources for retirees and families looking to support healthy aging and overall well-being.

00:00 Why Retirement Is More Than a Financial Decision
02:12 When Your Career Becomes Your Identity
07:08 Building Purpose, Routine, and Social Connection
09:32 The Stages of Retirement Adjustment
13:14 Recognizing Loneliness, Anxiety, and Depression
15:24 When One Spouse Retires Before the Other
19:34 Finding Activities That Fill Your Bucket
23:33 Creating a Happier, More Meaningful Retirement

New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real-life decisions.

#MoneySense #RetirementPlanning #RetirementLifestyle #Retirement #MentalHealth #HealthyAging #BehavioralHealth #LifeAfterWork #FinancialPlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialEducation #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Taxes are often something people think about once a year. Gather the documents, file the return, and move on. But what if that approach is causing you to miss valuable opportunities?

In this episode of Money Sense, Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin sits down with Richard Wolosek, CPA and Tax Planning Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to break down the critical difference between tax preparation and tax planning. While tax preparation focuses on reporting what already happened, tax planning helps shape what happens next.

Nik and Richard explore how proactive tax strategies can impact every stage of life, from accumulating wealth and preparing for retirement to leaving a tax-efficient legacy for future generations. They also share real-world examples of how thoughtful planning can help reduce taxes, avoid costly Medicare premium increases, maximize charitable giving strategies, and create more flexibility throughout retirement.

00:00 Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning: What's the Difference?
04:06 How Tax Planning Creates More Financial Options
08:42 Tax Strategies During Your Working Years
15:18 Retirement Tax Planning Opportunities
20:22 Legacy Planning, Inheritance, and Taxes
21:41 Real Client Stories
33:20 Final Takeaways

 New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

#MoneySense #TaxPlanning #TaxPreparation #RetirementPlanning #RothConversion #FinancialEducation #PersonalFinance #TaxStrategy #WealthManagement #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Pets are family, but they also come with financial responsibilities that many owners don't fully anticipate.

In this episode of Money Sense, Wealth Services Advisor Courtney Witthuhn is joined by Ellenbecker Investment Group Director of Marketing Sara McGuire to discuss the true cost of pet ownership, how to financially prepare for a pet, and the community resources available to help families keep their beloved companions healthy and at home.

From pet insurance and emergency vet expenses to fostering, volunteering, and affordable care programs, this conversation offers practical guidance for current and future pet owners. Whether you're considering adding a pet to your family or looking for ways to better plan for your furry friend's future, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

00:00 Why Pet Planning Matters
01:57 The Real Cost of Pet Ownership
08:55 Preparing Financially for a Pet
15:00 Budgeting, Pet Insurance & Emergency Expenses
22:10 Alternatives to Ownership: Fostering & Volunteering
25:58 Community Resources & Estate Planning for Pet

New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

#MoneySense #PetCareCosts #PetInsurance #FinancialPlanning #PetOwnership #WisconsinHumaneSociety #AnimalRescue #VeterinaryCare #PetBudgeting #EstatePlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialWellness

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Markets rarely move in straight lines and Q2 2026 was a powerful reminder of that.

In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker is joined by long-time market voice Mike Roth and Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin to unpack a volatile yet resilient quarter.

From geopolitical tensions and oil shocks to a remarkable market rebound, this conversation breaks down what really drove performance and what investors should pay attention to moving forward. The group explores the balance between strong economic fundamentals and headline-driven noise, and how both shaped investor sentiment.

They also discuss inflation trends, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, the growing influence of AI, and how everyday investors can interpret what is happening through the lens of gas prices, rates, and portfolio decisions.

01:28 Q2 Market Resilience Explained
03:00 Geopolitics, Oil Shock & Market Reaction
06:15 Why Markets Rebounded (AI, CapEx & Confidence)
15:40 Strong Economy & Consumer Spending Trends
28:24 Inflation, Fed Policy & Market Outlook
35:30 Elections, Market Cycles & What Comes Next

New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

#MoneySense #MarketUpdate #Q22026 #InvestingInsights #EconomicOutlook #InflationTrends #InterestRates #AIandInvesting #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #InvestorEducation #StockMarket #LongTermInvesting

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Insurance is something many people have, but not always something they revisit or fully understand.

In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, sits down with Jody Leonhardt, Accounts Manager and Agent at American Advantage Insurance, to walk through the basics of property and casualty insurance in a clear and practical way.

Together, they talk through how coverage works, how to think about protecting what you’ve built, and why regular check-ins matter as life evolves. From auto and homeowners insurance to umbrella policies, this conversation offers helpful perspective for making more informed decisions about your coverage.

00:00 Why Understanding Your Coverage Matters
02:05 Agent vs Broker and Finding the Right Fit
05:10 Auto Insurance Basics and Coverage Limits
09:15 Aligning Coverage with Your Assets
12:40 Homeowners Insurance and Shared Risk
17:55 Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value
22:30 Everyday Liability Risks at Home
27:40 Umbrella Insurance and How It Works

New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

#MoneySense #InsurancePlanning #FinancialEducation #WealthProtection #RiskManagement #PersonalFinance #HomeownersInsurance #AutoInsurance #UmbrellaPolicy #FinancialPlanning #LiabilityProtection

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

College athletics is evolving fast. What used to center on scholarships and school pride now includes contracts, branding deals, and real income before athletes even step on campus.

In this episode of Money Sense, Heather Deaton sits down with Chellee Siewert, Founder and President of Capture Sports Entertainment, to unpack what the pay-for-play (NIL) era means for athletes, families, and the future of college sports. From building a trusted team to navigating contracts, taxes, and personal branding, this conversation explores both the opportunities and the risks.

They also zoom out to examine how NIL is reshaping team dynamics, recruiting, and the long-term landscape of college athletics.

00:00 The Shift to Pay-for-Play in College Sports
02:12 What NIL Really Means for Athletes Today
04:05 Building the Right Team Around an Athlete
06:45 Early Deals, Contracts, and Hidden Risks
08:58 Schools Paying Athletes Directly Explained
11:30 Athletes as Brands: Identity Beyond the Game
15:00 Financial Planning and Managing Sudden Income
18:10 Team Dynamics, Transfers, and Recruiting Changes
22:05 What Comes Next: Rules, Risks, and the Future of NIL

New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

#MoneySense #CollegeAthletics #NIL #PayForPlay #StudentAthletes #FinancialEducation #WealthPlanning #SportsBusiness

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

“EIG Behind the Scenes” is a new Money Sense series designed to highlight the people and perspectives behind Ellenbecker Investment Group. In this first episode, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Brett Engelking, Director of Operations and Systems, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a boutique firm.

Karen reflects on her more than 40 years in the industry and the intentional decisions behind building a firm grounded in personalized service, long-term relationships, and thoughtful growth. Brett shares how operations and systems work behind the scenes to bring that vision to life while adapting to an increasingly complex, fast-moving environment.

They also discuss how technology supports, but never replaces, human connection, and explore what the rise of AI could mean for the future of the industry. 0:00 EIG Behind The Scenes Introduction

1:50 How the Industry has Evolved Over 40 Years
4:30 What Operations and Systems Actually Do
7:30 From Manual Processes to Modern Technology
11:30 What “Boutique” Really Means Today
15:30 Relationships, Trust, and Legacy Planning
21:30 Technology, AI, and Risk Awareness
29:30 The Future of Advice and The Firm

#MoneySensePodcast #EIGBehindTheScenes #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #ClientExperience #FinancialEducation #BoutiqueFirm #InvestingInsights #LegacyPlanning #AIinFinance #BehindTheScenes

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group

What if the hardest part of investing is not finding the right strategy but sticking with it?

In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel sits down with fellow Wealth Advisor Nik Kibardin to explore how behavioral finance shapes the way we save, spend, and invest. From the classic marshmallow experiment to real world market cycles, they break down why delaying gratification can be one of the most powerful decisions an investor makes.

They unpack market timing, the temptation to chase short term wins, and offer practical strategies to help investors stay grounded, disciplined, and focused on long term goals. You will also hear a compelling side by side example that shows how time in the market can matter more than timing the market.

00:00 Why Behavioral Finance Matters
02:15 The Marshmallow Test and What It Teaches Investors
05:10 FOMO, Market Highs, and the Risk of Chasing Returns
08:30 Why Market Downturns Feel So Much Worse
11:40 The Power of Compound Growth with a Real Example
16:20 Time Horizon, Risk, and Smarter Decision Making
21:45 Why You Cannot Time the Market
24:30 Building Habits, Diversification, and Staying Invested

New episodes of Money Sense drop every Tuesday. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most.

#MoneySense #BehavioralFinance #DelayedGratification #InvestingWisely #FinancialPlanning #LongTermInvesting #WealthBuilding #FinancialEducation

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.