Real Money, Real Life ®

What should you do with extra money after your kids move out? On Real Money, Real Life®, Linda Grizely and Lena Nebel look at the financial decisions empty nesters face when the money, time, and energy once centered around their kids finally begin to shift.

The answer is not simply to save everything or finally spend everything. It starts with deciding what you want this next chapter to look like, then giving the extra cash flow a purpose. Are you trying to catch up for retirement? Pay down debt? Travel more? Change careers? Or finally make yourself part of the financial plan again?

Linda and Lena walk through financial planning for empty nesters, including employer benefits, retirement savings, helping adult children, caring for aging parents, downsizing, lifestyle changes, and the emotions that can make these decisions harder than expected.

Real Money, Real Life® is about the part of personal finance that happens outside the spreadsheet. Becoming an empty nester can create more freedom, but it can also bring uncertainty. Linda Grizely and Lena show why this stage is a chance to pause, think about your future self, and make intentional choices about the life you are building now.

💡 We talk about:

• Deciding what to do with extra cash flow after the kids leave home
• Catching up for retirement without assuming you are already behind
• Setting financial boundaries with adult children
• Planning what you want your next five years to look like

⏱ Timestamps

(00:00) What changes financially when the kids leave home (02:26) Why Lena started focusing on empty nesters (03:46) What empty nesters should think about next (05:34) Why extra cash flow can create new money decisions (08:38) Planning for the empty nest before it happens (10:26) The emotional side of becoming an empty nester (11:50) How to decide whether to save, spend, invest, or pay debt (14:20) What "I'm behind for retirement" really means (17:06) When adult children are not fully off the payroll (17:43) Helping aging parents while planning for yourself (18:52) Why employer matching is part of your compensation (20:26) Why relying on bonuses can complicate retirement planning (21:40) Giving yourself permission to enjoy the money (23:45) What do you want the next five years to look like? (25:27) Letting go of financial expectations as a parent (26:32) Do you really need to be debt-free before retirement? (27:13) Who Lena and BFG Financial Advisors work with (28:43) Where to find Lena and her financial resources

🔗 Connect with Lena

Website: https://www.bfgfa.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lenanebel Resources: https://courses.bfguniversity.com/

🔗 Connect with Linda

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely Resources: https://www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures

Real Money, Real Life® is hosted & produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine Financial, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from & unaffiliated w/ Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them & do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests may express opinions or discuss strategies that are their own & should not be considered recommendations or personalized advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only & should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com & https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

How do you teach kids about money without creating shame, fear, or entitlement? On the Real Money, Real Life® podcast, Linda Grizely and Dr. Julia Myers show parents how everyday money conversations can help kids build confidence, maturity, and values.

The answer is not one perfect lesson. It is paying attention to the messages kids already pick up from your tone, stress, silence, spending, and choices, then using small moments to make those messages more honest and grounded.

What if you are worried you are spoiling your kids? What if you never learned how to talk about money yourself? Linda and Julia explain why children absorb money beliefs long before they understand budgets, how the Family Belief Box shapes those beliefs, and why parents need to become a mattress, not a hammock.

You'll hear how to shift entitlement into empowerment, connect money choices to family values, and start a conversation this week by sharing one simple money story from your own childhood. Real Money, Real Life® with Linda Grizely is for parents who want to raise financially mature kids without shame, guilt, or pretending they have every answer.

You do not have to cover every possible lesson. You can help your kids build financial confidence one honest conversation at a time.

💡 We talk about:

• Recognizing the money messages your kids already receive
• Teaching kids about money without shame or fear
• Shifting entitlement into responsibility and empowerment
• Starting age-appropriate money conversations at home

Timestamps

(00:00) How parents teach money without realizing it (02:54) How a life-changing vision loss created Generational Wisdom (06:00) How parents pass down their own money stories (08:44) When money changes from a tool into emotional baggage (12:23) How the Family Belief Box shapes children's money beliefs (16:20) How to notice the money messages your kids receive (19:57) Teaching kids to choose between competing priorities (20:23) What it means to raise grounded kids (22:02) Shifting entitlement into empowerment (24:44) Being a mattress instead of a hammock (26:42) Connecting family values to financial decisions (29:01) One simple way to start a money conversation (31:43) Teaching responsibility through real-life experiences (33:14) What financially launching a child can look like (34:17) Money conversation resources for parents (36:30) Raising financially confident kids one conversation at a time

🔗 Connect with Julia

Website: https://www.juliamyers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliamyers314 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_myers_rx Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliamyersrx Resources: https://saythis.juliamyers.com/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=RealMoneyRealLife&utm_campaign=LindaGrizely&utm_term=2026 Media Kit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IV_hfpTHWN4Z3pnsO7KdifJN-cUB9HPnc6iRPZE9OxE/edit?usp=drivesdk

🔗 Connect with Linda

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely Resources: https://www.lindagriz.com/resources

Disclosures

ℹ️ Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life® is hosted & produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine Financial, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from & unaffiliated w/ Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them & do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests may express opinions or discuss strategies that are their own & should not be considered recommendations or personalized advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only & should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com & https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Making six figures but still feeling behind financially can be confusing and frustrating. On the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast, Linda Grizely and Jackson Larimer explain why earning more money does not automatically create clarity, stability, or financial progress.

The answer is not always that you need to make more. Your spending, systems, expectations, and financial behavior may not have caught up with your income yet. What if you are earning more than you ever expected but still have little to show for it? How do you know whether you are truly behind or comparing yourself to an unrealistic benchmark?

Jackson shares how earning six figures as a college student changed his understanding of money and happiness, why he left a comfortable corporate job to build a financial coaching business, and how careful preparation made that decision possible. Linda Grizely and Jackson also break down lifestyle inflation, delayed gratification, financial education, and the unique personal finance challenges small business owners face.

You'll hear why separating business and personal finances matters, how a consistent owner's salary can bring stability to variable income, and why a tax deduction does not make an unnecessary expense free.

Real Money, Real Life™ is about real financial decisions, not perfect ones. Making six figures but still feeling behind does not automatically mean you are failing. It may mean your money needs more direction and your systems need to catch up with the life you are building.

💡 We talk about:

• Understanding why a higher income does not eliminate money stress • Deciding whether you are truly behind financially • Managing lifestyle inflation after your income increases • Creating financial structure with unpredictable business income

⏱ Timestamps

(00:00) Why making more money may not solve money stress (02:19) Leaving a corporate career to start a business (04:23) Designing a career around the life you want (06:13) Preparing financially before quitting your job (08:19) Learning about money and opportunity in Guatemala (12:12) Why six figures remains a financial benchmark (13:07) Making six figures without feeling happier (15:13) High earners who are not rich yet (16:20) Earning money and managing money are different skills (17:33) Delayed gratification and long-term financial progress (18:43) Making financial decisions for your future self (19:19) How to know whether you are actually behind (21:41) Starting early and learning how investing works (23:04) Why investment growth feels slow at first (24:30) Financial challenges for small business owners (25:08) Separating business and personal finances (26:04) Financial strategies self-employed people may overlook (28:15) Living within your means with variable income (29:15) Paying yourself a consistent business salary (30:42) Lifestyle inflation at higher income levels (32:30) When old money beliefs no longer match your life (33:18) Treating business expenses like real expenses (35:16) How to connect with Jackson Larimer (35:59) Turning income into stability and choices

🔗 Connect with Jackson

Website: https://jacksonlarimer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-larimer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moneywithjackson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneywithjackson/ Resources: https://jacksonlarimer.beehiiv.com/

🔗 Connect with Linda

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely Resources: https://www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures

Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted & produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine Financial, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from & unaffiliated w/ Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them & do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests may express opinions or discuss strategies that are their own & should not be considered recommendations or personalized advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only & should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com & https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

How to prepare for retirement emotionally and financially is about more than reaching a savings goal. On the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast, Linda Grizely talks with Jesse Hurst about why retirement planning also requires a clear picture of the life you want to create.

You can have the money and still struggle with the transition. Lifelong savers may find it difficult to give themselves permission to spend, and people who built their identity around work may not know what to do when their schedule suddenly opens up. What will give your days structure, purpose, and meaning? How do you enjoy the money you worked for without constantly worrying that you will run out?

Linda Grizely and Jesse discuss how familiar references from music, movies, and television can make retirement planning easier to understand. You'll hear how Bohemian Rhapsody, Friends, Animal House, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones connect to saving, spending, market cycles, and financial decision-making. They also walk through the 12-piece retirement puzzle, the transition from accumulation to distribution, and why knowing where you are today matters before you can map out where you want to go.

Preparing for retirement is not only about protecting your future. It is also about building the confidence to live the life your money was meant to support.

💡 We talk about:

· How to prepare for retirement beyond the financial numbers · Why lifelong savers struggle to spend money in retirement · How to create a clear vision for your retirement years · Why pop culture can make financial concepts easier to understand

⏱ Timestamps:

(00:00) How pop culture makes retirement planning easier (04:55) Using Animal House and Friends to explain the economy (08:45) Why moving from saving to spending feels so difficult (14:40) The 12-piece retirement planning puzzle (16:40) Knowing where you are before planning where to go (17:35) How to prepare emotionally for retirement (20:40) Creating a picture of your future self (22:40) What it means to retire like a rock star (25:45) Balancing spending now with saving for later (28:40) Using music and movies to explain financial decisions (33:00) Why time matters when you are investing (35:35) Preparing for market uncertainty before retirement (37:40) Who Jesse helps and how to find him (39:00) Turn down the noise and turn up the confidence

🔗 Connect with Jesse:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessehurst/ Website: https://www.impelwealth.com/ Book: https://www.impelwealth.com/popenomics

🔗 Connect with Linda:

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely Resources: https://www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted & produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine Financial, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from & unaffiliated w/ Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them & do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests may express opinions or discuss strategies that are their own & should not be considered recommendations or personalized advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only & should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com & https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

How to start values-aligned investing can feel confusing if investing already feels intimidating. On the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast, Linda Grizely talks with Jensyn Hallett about what it means to look at your money through the lens of values, impact, and financial confidence.

Values-aligned investing means considering both financial return and real-world impact, so your money is connected to what you care about. What if your bank account, 401(k), or IRA is supporting things you would not choose on purpose? What if you want your money to reflect your values, but you are not sure where to begin?

Linda and Jensyn discuss impact investing, why women's financial power matters, how small money shifts can build confidence, and why community can help women move from fear into action. You'll hear how to start by looking at where your money already lives, asking what impact you want to have, and learning with other women instead of trying to figure it all out alone.

💡 We talk about: · How to start values-aligned investing · What impact investing means in real life · Why women's financial power matters · How community can make investing feel less intimidating

⏱ Timestamps: (00:00) How to start values-aligned investing (02:24) What impact investing means (06:54) Common myths about values-aligned investing (08:51) Where to start with your money (13:03) Why women need to see themselves as investors (16:37) What Invest for Better does (19:08) Honest money conversations women are having (21:16) Fear, confidence, and learning to invest (25:53) Three takeaways for women getting started

🔗 Connect with Jensyn: Invest for Better: https://www.investforbetter.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensyn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investforbetter_ifb/

🔗 Connect with Linda: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely Resources: https://www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted & produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine Financial, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from & unaffiliated w/ Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them & do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests may express opinions or discuss strategies that are their own & should not be considered recommendations or personalized advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only & should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com & https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Financial freedom when you feel behind can sound impossible, but it may be more flexible than you think. On the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast, Linda Grizely talks with Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club about FIRE, Coast FIRE, investing, and what financial independence can look like in real life.

Financial freedom does not always mean quitting work forever. It can mean having more breathing room, more options, and less fear about the future. What if you feel like you started too late? What if early retirement sounds unrealistic, but you still want more choice and less financial pressure?

Linda and Jeremy discuss FIRE, the 4% rule, Coast FIRE, Barista FIRE, living below your means, investing early and often, and why simple index fund investing may be less complicated than people assume. You'll also hear why doing nothing can be one of the hardest parts of investing, why getting started matters more than being perfect, and why financial freedom is really about options, not perfection.

💡 We talk about: · What financial freedom can mean when you feel behind · Why FIRE is not only about retiring early · How Coast FIRE can create more flexibility · Why simple investing may be less scary than it sounds

⏱ Timestamps: (00:00) Financial freedom when you feel behind (08:05) What FIRE and financial independence mean (14:43) What Coast FIRE means (17:59) Barista FIRE and working differently (20:07) What if you feel too late to start? (24:40) Why investing feels so intimidating (27:36) Why doing nothing can be the hardest part (35:00) Where to begin if you feel overwhelmed (43:39) Financial freedom is about options, not perfection

🔗 Connect with Jeremy: Instagram: https://instagram.com/personalfinanceclub Website: https://personalfinanceclub.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personalfinanceclub YouTube: https://youtube.com/personalfinanceclub Facebook: https://facebook.com/personalfinanceclub Nectarine: https://hellonectarine.com Resources: https://personalfinanceclub.com/start-here/

🔗 Connect with Linda: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely Resources: https://www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted & produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine Financial, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from & unaffiliated w/ Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them & do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests may express opinions or discuss strategies that are their own & should not be considered recommendations or personalized advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only & should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com & https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Should I sell my home by owner? On the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast, host Linda Grizely and guest, Tim Street, helps listeners think through one of the biggest financial decisions many people make: whether to hire a real estate agent or try selling without one. The answer is not always yes or no. Selling by owner can make sense for someone with the time, discipline, emotional detachment, and willingness to follow a process, but hiring an agent may be the smarter move when the sale is legally complicated, emotionally loaded, or not worth the time tradeoff. What if you could save money, but the process takes more time than you expected? What if you are confident enough to try, but not prepared for pricing, inspections, buyers, negotiations, and legal guardrails? Linda and Tim discuss for sale by owner, also known as FSBO, and how homeowners can evaluate the real-life side of selling a home. We walk through when selling your house without a realtor may work, when it may not, why pricing is not really decided by the seller, and how mindset can either help or hurt the process. This conversation is about financial decision-making, personal finance, and asking better questions before outsourcing a major asset. If you have wondered, should I sell my home by owner, this episode can help you slow down, look at the tradeoffs, and make the choice with more clarity.

We Talk About Section

💡 We talk about: · How to know if selling by owner is a good fit · When hiring a real estate agent may be the smarter move · Why pricing your home is not about what you want · How mindset affects selling your house yourself

Timestamps

(00:00) Should you automatically hire a real estate agent? (01:17) How Tim Street became The FSBO Guy (03:44) Why selling by owner is not right for everyone (04:20) When a real estate agent is the smarter move (05:14) Why some homeowners may be able to sell themselves (06:13) Why homeowners know their house better than anyone (08:30) Why buyers and sellers often do not talk directly (10:27) Fair housing concerns and seller communication (12:13) Why selling by owner is simple but not easy (13:21) Why many FSBO attempts fail (15:33) What happens if selling by owner becomes too much (16:27) Why Tim created a FSBO system (17:50) How to know if FSBO fits your situation (19:17) Why the buyer decides the value of your home (20:18) How comparison affects home pricing (21:16) Why lower pricing can create more buyer interest (21:51) How pre-listing inspections can help sellers (24:34) How to share inspection information with buyers (25:00) Why a grand opening strategy can create demand (28:04) Confidence, overconfidence, and selling your own home (30:45) What to do before selling your home next year (31:16) Why your reason for moving matters (32:24) How the FSBO quiz helps homeowners decide (34:04) Who should find Tim Street (35:11) Where to find Foolproof FSBO (37:00) Choosing what is right for you, not just what everyone does

About + Links

👤 About Tim Street

Tim Street, a.k.a. The FSBO Guy, is a successful real estate agent, tech entrepreneur, and former active duty Marine who now works full-time teaching homeowners how to get the absolute best price for their home, and the best outcome for their families.

🔗 Connect with Tim

Website: https://www.foolprooffsbo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foolprooffsbo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolprooffsbo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@foolprooffsbo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.fsbo.guy Free eBook: https://www.foolprooffsbo.com/ebook Free Quiz: https://www.foolprooffsbo.com/quiz Email: [email protected]

👤 About Linda

Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a financial wellness speaker and personal finance expert and educator. She is the creator of the MeMoney® Method, and host of the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast. Bridging financial strategy with behavioral insight, she helps people build confidence and clarity with their money and teaches individuals and organizations how to replace financial overwhelm with empowerment and real-world results.

🔗 Connect with Linda

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X: https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely

🤝 Resources

Useful Personal Finance Quizzes, Checklists, and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures

Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Should I sell my life insurance policy? On the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast, Linda Grizely and Mark Mrky help listeners understand a lesser-known option before walking away from a policy that may still have value. A life settlement is when you sell a life insurance policy to a third party for a cash payout instead of surrendering it back to the insurance carrier for cash surrender value. What if your kids are grown, your premiums are rising, or your universal life policy did not perform the way you expected? What if you are ready to let the policy go, but you are not sure whether surrendering it is your only option? Linda and Mark walk through what a life settlement is, who may qualify, why age, health, policy type, premiums, and cash surrender value matter, and why a bidding process can help policyowners evaluate their options. This conversation is for anyone trying to make a financial decision with real-life consequences, especially seniors or families looking at unwanted life insurance, underperforming universal life, or convertible term coverage. Linda Grizely keeps the conversation grounded in financial decision-making, clarity, and asking better questions before making a permanent choice. If you have ever wondered, should I sell my life insurance policy, this may help you see the decision with more context and less confusion.

💡 We talk about:· How to know if a life settlement might apply to your policy · What to ask before surrendering life insurance for cash value · Why universal life and convertible term policies may be reviewed differently · How the life settlement bidding process works

Timestamps

(00:00) Why life insurance decisions deserve a closer look (01:18) What a life settlement is (03:00) How life settlements grew from viatical settlements (05:35) Why many people do not know this option exists (08:17) What types of policies may qualify (10:08) How age and health affect a life settlement offer (12:13) Why universal life policies can become complicated (15:23) How a life settlement evaluation works (17:26) Cash surrender value versus settlement value (18:47) Minimum policy size and death benefit (19:24) How the bidding process works (21:29) Regulation, disclosures, and compensation (24:33) When a life settlement may not be a good fit (25:18) Emotional and ethical concerns about life settlements (28:11) Why selling life insurance can feel emotional (30:08) First questions to ask before moving forward (31:08) Red flags to watch for (33:14) Who may want to learn more about life settlements (34:16) How to connect with Mark

About + Links

👤 About Mark Mrky

Mark is managing partner with Life Insurance Settlements Inc. He has been with LIS for 25 years and our sole focus is representing our clients who wish to liquidate a life insurance policy they own in the secondary market.

🔗 Connect with Mark

Website: https://www.lisettlements.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mrky-b8540113

👤 About Linda

Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a financial wellness speaker and personal finance expert and educator. She is the creator of the MeMoney® Method, and host of the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast. Bridging financial strategy with behavioral insight, she helps people build confidence and clarity with their money and teaches individuals and organizations how to replace financial overwhelm with empowerment and real-world results.

🔗 Connect with Linda

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X: https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely

🤝 Resources

Useful Personal Finance Quizzes, Checklists, and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures

Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

Getting started with Bitcoin can feel overwhelming, especially if you already feel behind financially or unsure what questions to ask. On Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely sits down with Shawn Owen to help make Bitcoin feel less intimidating and more understandable, without turning it into financial advice.

The simple answer is this: you can start understanding Bitcoin by learning what it is, how it is different from broader crypto, why people see it as a scarce digital asset, and what red flags to watch for before you do anything with your money.

What if Bitcoin feels too expensive to even consider? What if you are curious, but afraid of scams, hype, or making a mistake? Linda and Shawn walk through the basics in plain language, including why Bitcoin was created, how people can buy small amounts, where it may fit into a responsible financial life, and why emotion matters when people make money decisions.

This conversation is for people who want financial confidence, not pressure. Real Money, Real Life™ is about asking the questions many people are embarrassed to ask, and Linda Grizely keeps the focus on clarity, personal finance education, and real-life decision-making. You do not have to become a Bitcoin expert overnight. You can understand the basics, slow down, protect yourself, and make decisions from a clearer place.

💡 We talk about:

✅ How to start understanding Bitcoin without feeling behind ✅ What Bitcoin is and how it is different from crypto ✅ Why you do not need to buy a whole Bitcoin ✅ How to watch for scams, hype, and emotional decisions

Timestamps

(00:00) Why Bitcoin feels confusing for so many people (02:23) How Shawn Owen first got interested in Bitcoin (05:03) Why Bitcoin was created (06:24) Why people doubted Bitcoin at first (08:04) How Bitcoin connects to building and preserving wealth (11:02) Bitcoin explained in simple terms (14:22) Why you do not need to buy a whole Bitcoin (17:23) Where Bitcoin may fit in a portfolio (19:26) How people own and store Bitcoin (23:28) Why Linda sees crypto as play money (26:25) How Bitcoin connects to money behavior and mindset (31:00) How to get started with Bitcoin (36:03) Common Bitcoin scams and red flags (38:07) What to know if you already feel behind financially (42:34) How Shawn Owen helps people use Bitcoin as collateral (44:50) Linda's closing reminder about education and emotion

👤 About Shawn Owen

Shawn Owen is an experienced entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, especially in Bitcoin, longevity, AI, and systems development. His work focuses on turning complex ideas into effective business solutions, with an emphasis on optimizing operations, building strong products, and delivering quality client service.

Shawn has been an advocate for Bitcoin since 2011, drawn to its decentralized and revolutionary nature as digital hard money. He shares his expertise with the goal of making Bitcoin and related topics more accessible to both enthusiasts and critics.

As a forward-thinking entrepreneur, Shawn continues to pursue new ideas in business and technology while exploring what is possible at the intersection of innovation, systems, and wealth.

🔗 Connect with Shawn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-owen-052a6153/ Company Website: https://www.saltlending.com Twitter: @Shawn_OwenJ Company Twitter: @SaltLending Resource: https://tinyurl.com/47vvp8k7

👤 About Linda

Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a financial wellness speaker and personal finance expert and educator. She is the creator of the MeMoney® Method, and host of the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast. Bridging financial strategy with behavioral insight, she helps people build confidence and clarity with their money and teaches individuals and organizations how to replace financial overwhelm with empowerment and real-world results.

🔗 Connect with Linda

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X: https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely

🤝 Resources

Useful Personal Finance Quizzes, Checklists, and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures

Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers

How to divorce without going to court is a question many people do not know they are allowed to ask. On Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely talks with collaborative family law attorney and certified mediator Manisha Patel about what can happen when divorce becomes less about winning and more about protecting your future.

A divorce does not always have to become a long, expensive court fight. Collaborative divorce and mediation can give people a structured way to make decisions around money, children, co-parenting, support, and long-term stability without handing every decision to a judge. What if you want clarity, but you do not want a war? What if you are worried about the cost of fighting, the emotional toll on your children, or the money decisions you may regret later?

Linda and Manisha walk through the difference between litigation, mediation, and collaborative family law, why the process you choose can shape the outcome, and how early money decisions during divorce can have ripple effects for years. Real Money, Real Life™ is about the messy human side of financial decision-making, and this conversation is for anyone facing separation, divorce, or co-parenting decisions who wants to move with more clarity and less chaos.

The goal is not perfection. It is choosing a process that protects your finances, your family, and your future. Real Money, Real Life™ with Linda Grizely is here to remind you that strength is not always escalation. Sometimes the strongest move is choosing clarity.

💡 We talk about:

· How to divorce without going to court · Why collaborative divorce can reduce conflict · What mediation, litigation, and collaborative law mean · How money decisions during divorce affect your future

Timestamps

(00:00) How divorce becomes a financial and emotional turning point (02:20) Why Manisha Patel moved from litigation to collaborative family law (05:55) When collaborative divorce may or may not be a good fit (08:52) Litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce explained (12:18) Why the divorce process you choose matters (14:26) Myths that make divorce more harmful (16:42) Early money decisions that can affect life after divorce (20:00) The real cost of fighting to win (24:40) Restructuring your family instead of destroying it (26:20) Why aggression is not the same as strength (29:10) Manisha's book, End Your Marriage Peacefully (32:12) What legal separation means in North Carolina (33:55) Who can work with Manisha Patel (36:12) Where to find Manisha (36:45) Strength, clarity, and protecting your future

👤 About Manisha Patel

Manisha Patel is known for combining deep legal expertise with a calm, practical, and compassionate approach that helps clients make good decisions in some of the most stressful moments of their lives. As a collaborative family law attorney, certified mediator, and founder of a boutique family law firm in Greensboro, North Carolina, Manisha focuses on helping families navigate separation, divorce, and co parenting with less conflict and more clarity, using collaborative law and mediation to keep people out of courtroom battles whenever possible. She is an elected Councilor to the North Carolina State Bar and past President of the Greensboro Bar Association, as well as a longtime leader in organizations that support women in the legal profession, pro bono service, and lawyer wellness. Her new book, End Your Marriage Peacefully: Your Guide to Successful Collaborative Divorce in North Carolina launches in 2026.

🔗 Connect with Manisha

Website: www.lawofficeofmpp.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lompp18/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawofficeofmpp LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/manishappatel Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-office-of-manisha-p-patel-pllc

👤 About Linda

Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a financial wellness speaker and personal finance expert and educator. She is the creator of the MeMoney® Method, and host of the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast. Bridging financial strategy with behavioral insight, she helps people build confidence and clarity with their money and teaches individuals and organizations how to replace financial overwhelm with empowerment and real-world results.

🔗 Connect with Linda

Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X: https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely

🤝 Resources

Quizzes, Checklists, and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources

ℹ️ Disclosures

Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC.

Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine.

The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice.

This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products.

Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation.

For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers