Is Your Financial Plan Missing Something Big?

What if your retirement plan has a blind spot you didn't know existed?

In this enlightening episode, host Cathleen Toomey welcomes wealth management experts Tom Sedoric and Casey Snyder of Clove Hitch Advisors to break down the real secrets of retirement success. With decades of experience and national recognition from Forbes, these two know exactly what can derail even the most prepared retiree---and how to fix it.

Tom and Casey dive into the psychology of financial planning, including the dangers of optimism bias and recency bias. They discuss why collaboration with estate planners and accountants is essential, and how to create tax flexibility for a more secure future.

You'll learn:

• Why your plan might not be as resilient as you think
• How to start the financial conversation with your family
• The critical importance of having a written plan
• And how financial advisors themselves can future-proof their businesses

🔗 Links and Resources:

• The Optimism Bias by Tali Sharot
• Humble Dollar
• The Economist
• Bloomberg
• Financial Times
• The New York Times

❓ What's Next?

• What are your views, comments or questions on financial planning for retirement? Share them with us at [email protected]!

🤝🏻 Stay Connected

• Connect with host Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Find out more on the Seniority Authority website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🤝🏻 Timestamps

00:00 - Intro 
02:12 - Common blind spots in financial planning and the importance of anticipating change
04:04 - The role of optimism bias and recency bias in retirement planning
06:16 - Why collaboration with accountants and estate planners is critical
08:22 - Tax flexibility and long-term strategy in light of changing laws
13:18 - The increasing gap between capability and need as we age—and why early conversations matter
17:12 - Exercises to test financial resilience and the dangers of only planning for best-case scenarios
20:11 - How to answer the "How much do I need for retirement?" question
22:14 - The importance of team diversity, continuity, and future-proofing a financial firm
23:00 - Recommended financial media

2023 | 2024 Source: 

Forbes.com

 — Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, and firm nominations; as well as quantitative criteria including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Neither Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC nor its Wealth Managers pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information, visit 

www.SHOOKresearch.com

.

Fraudsters are getting smarter---and their biggest targets? Older adults. With a staggering $28 billion lost annually to scams, it's time to take action.

In this episode, fraud prevention expert Ron Long shares insights on how scammers operate, why elder financial abuse is skyrocketing, and---most importantly---how to stay safe. Ron has spent years working to protect seniors from fraud, from his early days at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to leading the charge at Stevens & Lee.

What are the most common scams? Who are the perpetrators? And how can you safeguard your finances? Tune in for practical steps, eye-opening stats, and real-world solutions that could save you or a loved one from financial disaster.

*Learn more about the Moonshot Initiative: LinkedIn Page  
*Stevens & Lee -- Financial fraud prevention experts: Website  
*AARP Fraud Watch Network: Website  
*FTC Scam Alerts: Website

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

What steps have you taken to protect yourself or your loved ones from scams? Share your thoughts at [email protected].  

The Moonshot Initiative on LinkedIn -- Learn more about the global effort to combat elder financial abuse. LinkedIn Page
Sstevens & Lee -- Ron Long's firm specializing in financial fraud prevention. Website
* AARP Fraud Watch Network -- AARP's resource for recognizing and preventing scams. Website
* Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Scam Alerts -- Updates on the latest scams targeting consumers. Website

Timestamps for Mentions:

• [00:35:03] -- The Moonshot Initiative on LinkedIn
• [00:37:42] -- Stevens & Lee and their fraud prevention services
• [00:28:00] -- The importance of family passwords to prevent fraud
• [00:21:00] -- The rising use of AI in scams, making them harder to detect

Are you a people pleaser? Do you find yourself apologizing for things you shouldn’t? Ann Leary, New York Times bestselling author, is here to inspire you to rewrite the script. In her newest collection, I Tried Being Nice, Ann shares witty, insightful essays about overcoming lifelong tendencies to people-please, redefining kindness, and embracing the unapologetic freedom of midlife. 

From confrontations with a neighbor (and their unruly dog) to honest reflections on her marriage, parenting, and self-discovery through tennis, Ann discusses the trials and triumphs of finding one’s voice later in life. Find out why she believes post-menopause is her prime and how shedding old habits has transformed her relationships and outlook.

Key Topics:

• The difference between kindness and people-pleasing 
• Why midlife is the perfect time to embrace authenticity 
• Parenting, empty-nesting, and reclaiming your true self 
• How tennis became both a hobby and a metaphor for life 

Join us for a heartfelt conversation that will leave you feeling empowered—and ready to embrace your unapologetic self. 

• Official Website
• Follow Ann on Instagram
• Get her book I Tried Being Nice

Connect with Us:

• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit Seniority Authority on the web
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Subscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts or Spotify today! 

1. 02:00 - Exploring Ann’s Writing Journey
2. 10:08 - Inspiration Behind I Tried Being Nice
3. 13:01 - Empty Nest Adventures
4. 19:45 - Life Lessons from the Tennis Court

24:03 - Breaking Free from People-Pleasing

The science regarding living longer is no longer just about genes---it's about the choices we make every day. In this episode, host Cathleen Toomey welcomes Maddy Dychtwald, award-winning author, speaker, and co-founder of Age Wave, to discuss her groundbreaking research and insights from her latest book, Ageless Aging: A Woman's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan.

Maddy reveals how women, who outlive men on average, often face unique challenges in maintaining their health and independence. She shares actionable strategies for managing inflammation, improving balance, and even boosting brain health with practical hacks like the "Flamingo Test" and an anti-inflammatory diet.

Tune in to learn:

• Why health is the "new affluence" and how it impacts everything from finances to fulfillment.
• The surprising link between hydration, circadian rhythms, and cognitive function.
• Why strength training is a game-changer for women over 60---and how it's never too late to rebuild muscle mass.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to take control of their health and redefine what it means to age well.

What are your views, comments, or questions on aging gracefully and living healthier longer? Share them with us at [email protected]!

• Connect with our host Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• You can also find Seniority Authority on Facebook, on Instagram, or connect with us on our website.

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

1. The Shift in Aging Demographics (00:00:36 -- 00:03:00)  

2. Health as the New Affluence (00:06:33 -- 00:07:54)  

3. The Role of Lifestyle in Longevity (00:05:03 -- 00:06:09)  

4. Practical Aging Hacks: Diet and Exercise (00:13:00 -- 00:21:15)  

5. Brain Health and Cognitive Decline (00:23:00 -- 00:25:54)  

6. Harnessing Probiotics and Hydration (00:26:00 -- 00:27:09)

Aging gracefully means navigating through years of accumulated possessions and deciding what truly matters. But this process can feel completely unmanageable and emotionally overwhelming—deciding what to do with a lifetime of possessions can definitely be complicated.

On this episode, we’re joined by Matt Paxton, who you may have seen on the fascinating show Hoarders. He is a decluttering expert, author, and host of Legacy List. In our conversation today, we dive into the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing. Matt shares insights from his latest book, "Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff," guiding listeners through a transformative process that honors their past while making room for the future.

What's Next?

• Got stories, questions, or insights about decluttering and downsizing? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Seniority Authority on our website! Plus, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
• Subscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Sometimes all you need is a helping hand! Today, we sit down with Felicia Greenfield, an advocate for dementia caregiving support, to delve into the transformative power of mentorship for caregivers. Felicia shares the origin and impact of a pioneering program designed at the Penn Memory Center, which pairs experienced caregivers (mentors) with those newly navigating the caregiving journey (mentees).

The program, rooted in compassion and shared experience, offers practical guidance, emotional support, and a sense of community, demonstrating the profound difference mentorship can make in the lives of caregivers and their loved ones. Felicia discusses the program's setup, its successes, and how it addresses the unique challenges caregivers face, from dealing with the diagnosis to finding joy in the caregiving journey.

• Penn Memory Center's website
• Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) directory (To find an ADRC in your area)

What's Next?

• Share your caregiving stories, questions, or insights with us at [email protected]!

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Explore more about Seniority Authority on our website, Facebook, or Instagram.
• Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Join us as we uncover the invaluable role mentorship plays in the caregiving experience, highlighting the importance of support, understanding, and shared wisdom.

In this transformative episode of Seniority Authority, we sit down with Adam Felts, Research Associate at the MIT AgeLab, to dive into the complexities of caregiving in today's aging society. Adam shares invaluable insights from his groundbreaking research on family caregiving, revealing the challenges and triumphs of those caring for older adults. Together, we explore the implications of our longer life spans on caregiving dynamics and the crucial role of planning and support for caregivers.

Key Discussion Points:

• The increasing prevalence of caregiving responsibilities among middle-aged adults.
• The financial, emotional, and physical impacts of caregiving.
• Strategies for balancing caregiving with personal and professional life.
• The significance of planning for long-term care and available resources for caregivers.

What's Next?

What are your thoughts or experiences with caregiving? Do you have strategies or stories to share? Reach out to us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Discover more about Seniority Authority on our website. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Technology can be an incredibly helpful tool as we age, but many older adults don’t take advantage of the new tools we have going for us.

Join us in an eye-opening discussion with Lauren Lachs, the visionary behind Wisebird, a website dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults through digital innovation. Lauren shares her journey from a successful digital marketer to a trailblazer in the aging industry. 

Learn about the inspiration behind Wisebird, its mission to provide reliable, user-friendly, and sophisticated resources for older adults, and how it's challenging societal stereotypes about aging. Dive into the insights gained from Lauren's unique perspective on aging and discover how technology can empower and enrich the lives of our senior population.

• Try out Wisebird for evidence-based tools and personalized insights.
• Follow Wisebird on YouTube and TikTok.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Podcast "Wiser Than Me"

What's Next?

• Have thoughts on how digital innovation can improve the aging experience? Share with us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Discover more at senorityauthority.org
• Follow Seniority Authority on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

In this compelling episode of Seniority Authority, Cathleen Toomey sits down with Lauri Scharf, a seasoned social worker and Master Trainer with the Benjamin Rose Institute's “We Care Because You Do” program. Lauri delves into the critical and often overlooked aspects of caregiving, shedding light on the immense challenges and pressures that unpaid family caregivers face daily.

Lauri shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of caregiving, emphasizing the significance of recognizing oneself as a caregiver to access necessary resources and support. She discusses the innovative approaches of the “We Care Because You Do” program, focusing on providing individualized support to caregivers through evidence-based strategies that address both the practical and emotional dimensions of caregiving.

Learn more about the Benjamin Rose Institute’s “We Care Because You Do” program. Contact the caregiver support number at (216) 373-1797, or call Lauri directly at  (216) 282-3170.

What's Next?

Do you have personal experiences, insights, or questions about caregiving? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with our host, Cathleen Toomey, on LinkedIn
• Discover more about Seniority Authority on our website, follow us on Facebook, and Instagram
• Subscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode!

Navigating the later stages of life can be as complex as it is essential. Where does one begin when planning for the golden years? It's not just about finding the right care; it's about understanding the nuances of aging and the healthcare system.

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Lachs, a leading gerontologist and author of the book, "What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Getting Older", joins us to delve deep into the realm of geriatric care, emphasizing the vital role geriatricians play in focusing on functionality and overall well-being in older adults. Dr. Lachs highlights empowering aging strategies, stressing the importance of proactive steps such as socialization, physical activity, and having a sense of purpose for maintaining health in the later years.

Additionally, Dr. Lachs adeptly wades through the intricacies of the healthcare system, offering invaluable advice on how to be an informed and active participant in one's health journey, thus equipping listeners with the knowledge and tools needed for a more empowered approach to aging.

• How do you plan to navigate your healthcare as you age? Share your thoughts and questions with us at [email protected]!\

• Join the Conversation: Follow Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn for more insights into aging gracefully.
• Discover More: Visit the Seniority Authority Website, Facebook, and Instagram for additional resources and support.
• Subscribe and Stay Updated: Tune into more insightful episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.