Money Sense

Making thoughtful financial decisions during divorce starts with understanding your options.

In this episode of Money Sense, Julie Ellenbecker sits down with Susan Hansen, collaborative attorney and mediator at Hansen & Hildebrand, to walk through how to approach divorce thoughtfully from the very first steps through long-term financial impact.

They emphasize the importance of education and choosing the right process for your situation. Susan outlines the different paths available including mediation, collaborative divorce, traditional litigation, and do-it-yourself approaches, along with the tradeoffs of each.

Susan also highlights a major update in Wisconsin law that allows couples to finalize a divorce without appearing in court, offering a more streamlined and lower-stress option for many families.

00:00 Divorce Planning and Financial Decisions
01:20 Preparing for Divorce and Getting Organized
04:30 Divorce Options
12:30 No-Court Divorce and New Wisconsin Law
19:45 Building Your Divorce Team
24:00 Financial Planning During Divorce
31:30 Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

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

#MoneySense #DivorcePlanning #DivorceAdvice #WisconsinDivorce #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #GrayDivorce #Mediation #CollaborativeDivorce #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.

What if just $1 a day could set your child up for long-term wealth?

In this episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Faith Reiter from the EIG Marketing Team, who is expecting her first child, to break down a simple but powerful strategy built on the time value of money.

Together, they explore how small, consistent contributions, whether from parents, grandparents, or loved ones, can grow over a lifetime. From UTMA accounts to Roth IRAs, this episode walks through a step-by-step approach to turning early investing into generational wealth.

They also discuss the realities of modern parenting costs, how to prioritize investing amid competing financial goals, and why starting early, even with a small amount, can make all the difference.

00:00 Welcome & Why This Topic Matters
02:05 The Cost of Raising a Child Today
04:15 What $1 a Day Really Means 
06:20 UTMA Accounts Explained 
10:45 $365 vs. Lump Sum Strategy
16:30 The Roth IRA Strategy
19:50 From $1/Day to Millions

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

#MoneySense #FinancialPlanning #GenerationalWealth #InvestingForKids #RothIRA #ParentingFinance #WealthBuilding #TimeInTheMarket

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 do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

What does it mean to show up as a leader, especially in times of crisis, uncertainty, and burnout?

In this special #AuthorSpotlight episode of Money Sense, we’re joined by Jen Marr, founder and CEO of Showing Up and author of Lifting Up. Through the “showing up” framework, Jen breaks supportive leadership down into clear, actionable behaviors leaders can apply in real time to reduce burnout, strengthen trust, and improve team connection.

Jen shares her deeply personal journey, shaped by proximity to the Sandy Hook tragedy and the Boston Marathon bombing, and how those experiences sparked decades of research into human behavior, stress, and support. From the concept of the “awkward zone” to practical, repeatable micro-skills leaders can use right away, this conversation goes far beyond theory and into action.

00:00 Why Showing Up Matters
01:15 Jen Marr’s Story
05:40 Stress, Disruption & the “Awkward Zone”
10:40 The Showing Up Leadership Framework
15:50 Practical Tools Leaders Can Use Today
26:30 Steady Leadership, AI, & How to Connect with Jen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen Marr is the founder and CEO of Showing Up and the author of “Lifting Up”. Through research, training, and real-world application, Jen helps leaders build supportive cultures that reduce burnout, increase trust, and strengthen human connection, especially during times of stress and uncertainty.
Book: "Lifting Up" is available on Amazon and major book retailers.
Website: showing-up.com
Personal Site: jenmarr.com

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.

How can portfolios pursue growth while managing volatility and generating reliable income?

In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisor Jamie Williams sits down with Mary Brown, president and portfolio manager at Campbell Newman Asset Management, to explore why dividend growth investing continues to play a critical role in long‑term portfolio construction.

Mary shares the history behind Campbell Newman and explains how dividend‑growing companies can signal financial strength, disciplined capital allocation, and management confidence, especially during volatile or uncertain markets. Together, they discuss how dividends contribute to total return, help dampen volatility, and fit into a broader active management strategy alongside diversification, quality, and risk control.

Listen to Money Sense wherever you get your podcasts.

#MoneySense #DividendGrowth #LongTermInvesting #ActiveManagement #PortfolioConstruction #MarketVolatility #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #StockMarketEducation

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.

With Americans carrying over $1.27 trillion in credit card debt, understanding how credit actually works and how it impacts homeownership is more important than ever.

In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel, wealth advisor and director of client experience at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Ben Revak, senior loan advisor at ProVisor Inc., for a practical conversation about credit scores, consumer debt and buying a home.

They break down common myths around credit card debt, explain what truly affects a credit score, and discuss why having debt does not automatically disqualify someone from homeownership. The episode also explores the difference between good and bad debt, how to prepare financially before buying a home, and what buyers should consider when thinking about mortgage rates and timing the market.

00:00 Why Credit Scores Matter
01:40 Credit Card Debt & Homeownership Myths
07:33 What Really Makes Up a Credit Score
15:55 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt (Mortgages Explained)
20:35 How to Prepare for Buying a Home
30:15 Mortgage Rates, Timing the Market & What to Know Now 

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

#MoneySense #Homeownership #CreditScoreTips #DebtEducation #MortgageBasics #FinancialWellBeing #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning

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.

How can generosity fit seamlessly into your financial plan and maximize tax efficiency?

In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Heather Deaton explore how charitable giving can fit into a well‑rounded financial plan. They discuss how generosity can be both personal and strategic, while still supporting long‑term family and financial goals.

The conversation is grounded in the Five T’s of Philanthropy: time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony. Using real examples, they highlight the many ways individuals and families can give back beyond writing a check.

00:00 Why Philanthropy Is Core to the EIG Culture
03:40 Defining Your “Why” in Charitable Giving
07:30 The Five T’s of Philanthropy
12:45 Volunteering & Real‑World Impact
18:10 Securities, DAFs & Tax Efficiency
28:50 QCDs, RMDs & Retirement‑Based Giving
34:40 Legacy Giving, Estate Planning & Beneficiaries
41:20 Final Takeaways

#MoneySensePodcast #CharitableGiving #FinancialPlanning #Philanthropy #LegacyPlanning #TaxEfficientGiving #ValuesBasedPlanning

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

How do you raise kids who feel confident making money decisions?

In this episode, wealth advisors Kristina Schnuckel and Heather Deaton share how their own families have approached allowances, saving, and early financial decisions, alongside what they see working with clients and their kids.

00:00 Raising Money-Confident Kids
05:00 Allowances, Chores, and Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility
09:15 Savings vs. Spending and Building Impulse Control
13:00 Teaching Kids About Charitable Giving and Family Values
14:10 Helping Kids Understand Money Through Cash Flow and Spending Awareness
26:00 Savings, Investing, and Financial Accounts for Kids
36:45 Launching Kids into Adulthood with Financial Confidence

#MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning #MoneyLessonsForKids #KidsAndMoney #TeachingKidsAboutMoney #RaisingMoneyConfidentKids #FinancialParenting

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.

Mortgage rates may be higher than what many homeowners and buyers have grown used to in recent years, but thoughtful planning can still open the door to smart opportunities.

In this episode, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Tammy Niemann explore today’s mortgage landscape and how it fits into your overall financial plan, drawing on Tammy’s deep lending background and Jamie’s planning‑first perspective.

#MoneySensePodcast #MortgagePlanning #FinancialPlanning #RealEstateStrategy #FiduciaryAdvice #WealthPlanning #Homeownership #InterestRates #SmarterBorrowing #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 do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Early 2026 opened with optimism around AI, but rising oil prices and geopolitical tension quickly shifted sentiment. Mike Roth explains what changed, why rate cuts may be fewer than expected, and where volatility creates both risk and opportunity.

00:00 Welcome to Money Sense
02:04 Q1 2026 Market Overview
06:34 Why AI Is Driving Market Volatility
15:55 Iran, Oil Shocks & Global Market Impact
21:03 The Fog of War: Headlines vs Reality
23:32 Interest Rates & Fed Cuts in 2026
24:46 AI Winners, Losers & Valuation Shifts
29:39 Understanding Private Credit
37:47 How Today’s Economy Affects Everyday Life

#MarketOutlook #EconomicUpdate #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #Geopolitics #OilPrices #AIInvesting #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #PrivateCredit #MarketVolatility #MoneySensePodcast

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.

Take the mystery out of legacy planning, no matter your age or stage. Estate planning attorney Erick Fabyan breaks down the conversations, documents, and decisions families should consider before they matter.

From wills and trusts to beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, family conversations, and end‑of‑life instructions, this episode offers a practical roadmap for beginning—or updating—your estate plan. Jamie and Eric also share real stories and clear examples that reveal why planning early matters, how to avoid common mistakes, and the small steps that provide major peace of mind.

What We Cover:
✅ Why every adult needs basic estate planning documents
✅ The difference between wills and trusts (and why most families benefit from a trust)
✅ How beneficiary designations work—and the pitfalls to avoid
✅ Choosing powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions
✅ Keeping your documents current and aligned with your wishes
✅ Planning for funeral expenses and ensuring liquidity
✅ How to structure family conversations that prevent conflict
✅ Digital legacy planning (passwords, online accounts, phone access & more)

Whether you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, this conversation will help you take the next right step with confidence.

#EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #FinancialPlanning #EndOfLifePlanning #TrustsAndWills #BeneficiaryDesignations #PowersOfAttorney #FamilyFinances #FinancialWellbeing #MoneySensePodcast #EIG #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup #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: 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 do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.