Some advice sounds harmless, but when it’s pulled out of context, it can quietly steer you in the wrong direction. Today we’re joined by Melissa Joy, founder of Pearl Planning, for a conversation about the kind of money “rules” that sound wise on the surface but don’t always fit your life.

We explore the trouble with blanket statements like “you should never buy a new car” or “always max out retirement accounts,” especially for people who’ve moved beyond survival mode and are making more nuanced financial choices. Along the way, we talk about how shame often seeps into money decisions, why one-size-fits-all guidance doesn’t serve everyone, and why your values deserve a place in the conversation.

In this episode:

• Why the word “should” can be so damaging in financial conversations
• How to spot advice that’s built for someone else’s life, not yours
• Why success doesn’t always make decisions easier
• The importance of aligning money choices with what matters most to you
  
  
  

Connect with Karen:

• Clarity Planning
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with our guests: 

• Melissa Joy on LinkedIn
• Pearl Planning

Retirement can be one of life’s most rewarding chapters when it’s shaped around purpose, connection, and the freedom to design your days. In this conversation, we sit with Christine Benz, Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning, to explore the choices that make those years meaningful.

We discuss the lessons and limitations of the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), the surprising challenges that come with spending after a lifetime of saving, and ways to prepare for the realities of long-term care. You’ll also hear why crafting a gradual “glide path” into retirement often leads to greater happiness, and how small shifts today can set you up for a future filled with energy and engagement.

In this episode:

• Why retirement works best when it’s more of a glide path than a hard stop
• The overlooked challenge of spending money after years of saving
• How to think about long-term care before you need it
• What the FIRE movement gets right—and where it falls short

Connect with Karen:

• Clarity Planning
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with our guests: 

• Christine Benz on LinkedIn
• Morningstar
• Get Going On Savings Initiative

What does it mean to live a remarkable life—solo? Dr. Peter McGraw has spent the last five years exploring that question as a behavioral economist, author, and lifelong bachelor. In this conversation, we sit down with him to talk about how the world—and the financial industry—still defaults to couples, even as the number of single adults continues to rise.

There’s also a bigger conversation about how norms shape the way we think about money. Because nowadays, financial systems are full of outdated assumptions, but when you start asking different questions, the game can change.

In this episode:

• The rise of “new way” singles and how their goals differ
• Why single living often means luxury living
• How financial planning norms can fail unmarried adults
• What advisors (and clients) can do to rethink the script

Connect with Karen:

• Clarity Planning
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with our guests: 

• Dr. Peter McGraw on LinkedIn
• Dr. Peter McGraw’s website

For many people, having a startup in Silicon Valley is the ultimate dream, and Tissa Richards reached it with a software company that she later decided to shut down. It was not an easy decision to make, but it helped her build resilience and reinvent herself. Now, this resilient founder has become a leadership advisor and author who guides executives through failure and helps them see it as an opportunity. Today, we talk about bouncing forward, adapting to change, and communicating with clarity and purpose.

In this episode:

• The difference between failure and defeat
• Strategies for communicating your value with confidence
• How to turn setbacks into career opportunities

Join us and discover how the hardest moments in your career can be the inflection point that takes you exactly where you want to be.

Connect with Karen:

• Clarity Planning
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with our guests: 

• Tissa Richards Website
• Tissa Richards on LinkedIn

What happens when successful couples decide one person should hit pause on their career to shake things up at home and work? That’s the conversation we are having today in this episode of Money Without Math. Our guests? Kim Nakamaru and David Pidancet, two professionals in the aerospace industry who decided to switch traditional roles and become a family with a working mom and a full-time dad.

In this episode:

• The negotiations that come with big life changes
• Traditional roles and how they embraced new ways of doing things
• The best strategies for succeeding in a transition like this

Tune in to hear how unique the journey can be when it comes to balancing professions and family life.

Connect with Karen:

• Clarity Planning
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with our guests: 

• Kim Nakamaru on LinkedIn
• David Pidancet on LinkedIn
• Country Music Dads Podcast
• Facebook: Country Music Dads
• The Bro Dad Podcast
• Relativity Space

The traditional career timeline of working full-time for decades and then withdrawing abruptly is not only outdated, it’s loaded with challenges from decreased income to loss of identity and purpose. 

Enter the portfolio career. Unlike the typical career path comprised of one employer and one income stream, a portfolio career might include multiple roles, organizations, and/or income streams. After an impressive 32-year career with Walmart, guest Deanah Baker is exploring a world where work is more than a single job. Instead of retreating to retirement, Deanah is directing her energy and deep expertise to serve on boards, consult, and nurture her network. 

Key conversations in this episode include:

• Deanah's journey from single company loyalty to exploring multiple ventures. [00:02:15] 
• The mental shift from a fast-paced retail career to a slower yet purposeful path. [00:04:24] 
• Embracing a "portfolio career": leveraging past expertise while discovering new passions. [00:08:16] 
• Enriching the next chapter of life with genuine mentorship and community support. [00:13:20] 
• Defining personal work-life balance when time is no longer dictated by corporate demands. [00:16:51] 
• And more

Connect with Karen Coyne: 

• Clarity Planning
• [email protected]
• 301-739-7002
• LinkedIn: Karen Coyne, CFP®
• X: @karencoyne
• YouTube: @karencoynecfp
• Instagram: @moneywithoutmath

Connect with Deanah Baker:

• LinkedIn: Deanah Baker

About Our Guest: 

Deanah Baker is a former global CPG/B2C retail executive at Walmart, now consulting with high-growth organizations to drive sustained profitability and market share expansion.

Deanah partners with business leaders to develop multi-year strategies that deliver differentiated revenue growth and profitability.

She transforms innovative ideas into successful products, brands, and initiatives that enhance sales performance and customer experience.

Deanah advises CEOs on organizational changes that optimize teams and support new business ventures.

She equips leaders and teams with deep industry knowledge, merchant and supplier criteria, and problem-solving skills to drive win-win business outcomes.

Deanah has held senior officer roles in omnichannel merchandising, managing $25 billion P&Ls. She led the launch of multiple private label and national brands, generating over $10 billion in annual revenue. She also spearheaded the implementation of RFID-driven real-time inventory tracking, enabling curbside pickup and delivery for the Apparel Division.

What if AI could be your best work ally instead of a job-stealer? 

Let's dive into the exciting world of AI, not as a threat, but as a powerful tool for personal and career growth.

Karen Coyne hosts Susan Youngblood, an AI and Human Capital advisor, as they unravel how AI reshapes our lives, especially in our workspaces. Explore how AI integrates seamlessly into your daily routines, from refining repetitive tasks to sparking creative problem-solving.

Key episode discussion points include:

• The current role AI plays in our work lives [00:02:51]
• Preparing for AI-driven changes in the workplace, from those feeling overwhelmed to tech enthusiasts [00:05:17]
• Enhancing personal education with AI without needing deep technical know-how, discussed [00:05:41]
• Embracing AI as a career accelerator rather than a threat [00:22:05]
• And more!

Connect with Karen Coyne: 

• Clarity Planning
• [email protected]
• 301-739-7002
• LinkedIn: Karen Coyne, CFP®
• X: @karencoyne
• YouTube: @karencoynecfp
• Instagram: @moneywithoutmath

Connect with Susan Youngblood:

• LinkedIn: Susan Youngblood
• Bessemer Venture Partners

About Our Guest:

Susan Youngblood is an operating advisor and technology Chief Human Resources Officer and Artificial Intelligence (AI) advisor who has launched, transformed, and acquired companies. Her combination of technical savvy and human capital management expertise positions her to advise boards and leaders on preparing for the AI-enabled workplace.

With a career spanning Fortune 50 companies, private equity-backed ventures, and startups, Susan has been a catalyst for business transformation, guiding organizations through critical inflection points, including digital transformation, M&A, global scaling, and preparing workforces for emerging technologies and AI implementation.

Susan architected the human capital strategy for the launch of the AI software firm Ascendion, where she was the Chief People Officer. Earlier, she worked with Blackstone to prepare for the $27B sale of fintech Refinitiv to LSEG and led integration planning. At IBM, she successfully managed eight global acquisitions and integrations totaling $1B Enterprise Value. Susan's strategic approach to workforce management has consistently delivered multi-million-dollar savings, evidence of her approach to driving high ROI.

Susan serves on the Board of Directors for Cornell University’s ILR School, is an advisor for an agentic AI startup, and is an angel investor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vassar College and a Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (MILR) degree from Cornell University, where she was also the assistant coach of the women’s tennis team.

Can you strengthen your relationship by applying the same principles you might use in business?

Karen Coyne invites you to explore this concept with guests Rebecca Lockwood and Tom Bower, co-authors of "The Cohesive Couple". They offer practical insights on how couples can align visions and improve communications by using systems similar to those used to run successful businesses.

Rebecca and Tom share their journey from business coaching to helping couples create a harmonious home life. From establishing a shared vision to planning accountability meetings, listen in to learn how to put problems in front of you rather than between you.

Resources:

• “The Cohesive Couple” by Rebecca Lockwood, James Lockwood, and Tom Bouwer

Connect with Karen Coyne: 

• Clarity Planning
• [email protected]
• 301-739-7002
• LinkedIn: Karen Coyne, CFP®
• X: @karencoyne
• YouTube: @karencoynecfp
• Instagram: @moneywithoutmath

Connect with Rebecca Lockwood & Tom Bouwer:

• LinkedIn: Rebecca Lockwood
• LinkedIn: Tom Bouwer
• Cohesive Couple Website

About Rebecca Lockwood:

Rebecca uses her diverse experiences to create a unique approach to life, relationships, and personal growth. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and six years as a business coach, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals and couples unlock their full potential. Her coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in her own life experiences. As a traveler at heart, Rebecca constantly seeks authentic experiences and relationships. She firmly believes that life is richer when surrounded by family and friends.

About Tom Bouwer:

As an entrepreneur and coach, Tom brings over 30 years of U.S. and international experience to his work, helping both companies and individuals. Having started three successful companies in Turkey, Tom offers a unique global perspective. Together with his wife Windy, he is passionate about exploring the world and creating lasting memories, an approach he brings to his professional endeavors. Drawing from his diverse background and his own marriage, Tom helps people navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships. His unique approach combines business acumen with fresh insights into the complex dynamics today’s marriages face. His books have sold over 1 million copies worldwide and offer practical tools for immediate impact. As a speaker and coach, Tom dedicates his time to guiding leadership teams, individuals, and couples towards reaching their full potential.

Karen Coyne is joined by Sonya Hopson, the dynamic CEO and founder of HIRE Strategies, a talent placement agency with a focus on commercial construction. Sonya shares her personal journey from "accidental entrepreneur" to making her mark in commercial construction as a single mom and a woman of color. 

She also opens up about embracing imperfections and becoming the woman known for her pink hard hat. Join us for a conversation that's as inspiring as it is practical.

Key episode discussions include:

• Her unexpected entry into the construction industry with a unique personal brand (00:04:36)
• The value of skilled trades and why they're a perfect career option for women (00:08:19)
• Tackling challenges in a male-dominated field and the power of authenticity (00:16:50)
• Her 'Chasing Peace' journey, redefining success, and prioritizing personal fulfillment over societal metrics (00:27:37)
• And so much more!

Resources:

• “Chasing Peace” by Sonya Hopson

Connect with Karen Coyne: 

• Clarity Planning
• [email protected]
• 301-739-7002
• LinkedIn: Karen Coyne, CFP®
• X: @karencoyne
• YouTube: @karencoynecfp
• Instagram: @moneywithoutmath

Connect with Sonya Hopson:

• LinkedIn: Sonya Hopson
• HIRE Strategies
• Sonya Hopson Website
• Facebook: Sonya Hopson

About Our Guest: 

Sonya Hopson is The Lady with the Pink Hard Hat.

From an accidental entrepreneur to an award-winning CEO, Sonya has built a career defined by resilience, purpose, and transformation. As the Founder & CEO of HIRE Strategies, she has cultivated a business focused on people-first leadership—empowering professionals and breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries. Recognized by Forbes and the Triangle Business Journal, Sonya is dedicated to disrupting the status quo and creating fair and equitable opportunities for all candidates.

At HIRE Strategies, the organization’s mission is to empower both companies and individuals by advocating for diverse perspectives—helping businesses HIRE and RETAIN top talent while fostering inclusive workplaces where everyone has a seat at the table.

But her story reaches beyond business.

As a motivational speaker, ballroom dancer, mental health advocate, and author, Sonya shares her personal experiences to inspire others to heal from unhealed childhood wounds, embrace imperfection, and seek their own peace. Her upcoming book, Chasing Peace: Tales of a Recovering Perfectionist, offers a deeply personal journey of overcoming trauma, perfectionism, and redefining success on one’s own terms.

Whether mentoring women in business, advocating for mental health awareness, or helping organizations build inclusive teams, Sonya's mission remains constant: to be a light in someone else’s darkness.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make life-saving decisions under pressure, like a heart surgeon? How about applying this mindset to your personal finances?

Karen Coyne sits down with Dr. Eric Weiss, one of the country's leading cardiac surgeons and Director of Aortic Surgery at Aurora St. Luke's Hospital. They explore the fascinating world of “clamp time”—a powerful principle centered around urgency and focus that Dr. Weiss applies in the operating room and beyond. 

From surgical precision to financial finesse, discover how the same mindset that saves lives can guide all of us toward meaningful, empowered decisions in our daily lives. 

Key Highlights:

• Self-taught financial wisdom and overcoming mistakes
• The psychology behind financial stages and mindset shifts
• Transitioning from wealth accumulation to enjoyment and giving
• The philosophy of 'Clamp Time' and urgency in achieving success
• Avoiding burnout by focusing on passion and rolling focus
• And much more!

Resources:

• Clamp Time™

Connect with Karen Coyne: 

• Clarity Planning
• [email protected]
• 301-739-7002
• LinkedIn: Karen Coyne, CFP®
• X: @karencoyne
• YouTube: @karencoynecfp
• Instagram: @moneywithoutmath

Connect with Dr. Eric Weiss:

• Eric Weiss, MD
• LinkedIn: Eric S. Weiss
• Instagram: Dr. Eric Weiss
• Eric Weiss, MD: Contact Form
• (414) 250-8676

About Dr. Eric Weiss: 

Dr. Eric Weiss is one of the most respected and recognized cardiothoracic surgeons in the country for his ability to technically perform the most complex operations on the aortic and mitral vales, as well as the thoracic aorta outstanding results. Located at one of the most reputable health systems in the Midwest, Dr. Weiss excels due to his reputation of technical excellence and five-star patient care reviews.

Dr. Eric Weiss is an attending cardiac surgeon who specializes in general adult cardiac surgery, aortic surgery, valvular heart surgery, and the surgical treatment of heart failure. He obtained his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. He completed his general surgery residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore MD and a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital- Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY. Dr. Weiss completed further advanced fellowships in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support at New York Presbyterian Hospital and in advanced aortic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

As a recognized expert in diseases of the thoracic aorta, valvular heart disease, heart transplantation, and clinical outcomes research, Dr. Weiss completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD; has published over 70 peer reviewed journal articles and has given over 80 presentations at national and international scientific meetings.