"Age is just another journey that we need to learn to love and embrace, and see as the gift it is!"

Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines are joined by Ande Lyons, host of the Don't Be Caged by Your Age podcast. She's redefining what it means to thrive after 65, and teaches us how to combat ageism at every level—whether it's institutional, societal, or internalized.

Finding and maintaining confidence and a sense of purpose in retirement is seldom easy. Ande gives us tips to stay engaged in later life, as well as essential steps for financial and mental wellness, all in order to ensure a life in retirement that's worth the journey.

Our hosts and Ande also dive deep into the mindset shift that allows us to "age out loud." Learn how platforms like Meetup.com can help build communities that bridge age gaps, and hear inspiring personal anecdotes about overcoming self-imposed limitations to pursue new passions after 65.

As Ande says, by embracing and reframing how we see those golden years, we open ourselves up to the possibility of new beginnings, renewed health and vigor, and exciting adventures that we never would have dreamed of pursuing in pre-retirement!

Key Topics:

• Internalized Ageism… What the Heck Does that Mean? (3:30)
• Overcoming Internalized Ageism (11:08)
• Managing your Energy Portfolio and "Aging Out Loud" (21:55)
• Finding Interest Groups with Meetup.com (27:37)
• "Ambition is Ageless!" (34:12)
• Key Takeaways (42:40)

Resources:

• Ande Lyons on LinkedIn
• Don't Be Caged By Your Age (podcast)
• Take Back Retirement Ep 83: Combatting Fraud and Protecting Your Financial Future with AARP's Kathy Stokes
• Thelma (movie)

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"Most pre-retirees and retirees need and want help with the critical retirement decisions they face, but they're not always certain where to find it."

Is your retirement plan only scratching the surface? Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines uncover the common pitfalls that have kept retirees unprepared for the realities of their post-work years.

Drawing from the groundbreaking Stanford Center on Longevity study entitled Disconnected: Reality Versus Perception in Retirement Planning, Stephanie and Kevin talk about why it's imperative to envision and plan for all aspects of retirement—beyond just your finances.

Learn how to overcome the natural human instincts that cause us to overlook important retirement considerations, and how to find advice specific to your unique life circumstances.

Our hosts also explain why retirement is a process rather than a destination, and how embracing flexibility can reduce financial stress and increase peace of mind. They explore how personal stories and periodic reminders can keep you on track, and why working with a real financial planner can provide invaluable holistic guidance.

Key Topics:

• Envisioning Your Later Years (4:56)
• "Human Beings Are Bad at Money." (11:02)
• Overcoming Our Self-Imposed Planning Barriers (12:57)
• Just Yank the Bandaid Off! (15:20)
• Implementation Costs (19:30)
• Finding Advice Specific to You and Minimizing Uncertainty About Your Future (21:30)
• Which Of These Sentences Makes You Most Inspired to do Retirement Planning? (24:25)
• Financial Advisor vs "Stock Jockey" (28:45)
• Planning for Contingencies (30:02)

Resources:

• The study by Stanford Center on Longevity entitled Disconnected: Reality Versus Perception in Retirement Planning
• Take Back Retirement Episode 7: Here's a Secret: We're Guessing, and That's OK
• Take Back Retirement Episode 95: Ready to Retire? Here are Five Crucial Questions to Ask Yourself

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"Financial infidelity is in the category of infidelity and the root of it is a hiding and a lying about the truth."

Join our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines as they chat with Jess Bost, CFP at Lake Avenue Financial. She's spent over 15 years coaching people to get from where they are to where they want to be. It's a passion that finds its roots in her inspiring journey to overcome her own financial struggles.

For Jess, those struggles revolved around one of the toughest periods in her life: dealing with financial infidelity. Listen in as she opens up about the moment she discovered that her partner had been living a financial double-life–hiding mounting credit card debts, separate bank accounts, and loans that eventually led to their separation.

Jess reflects on how the shock of that revelation compelled her to take ownership of her finances, leading her down a path into the world of financial services and, thankfully, eventual reconciliation with her partner.

Through Jess's experiences, you'll learn why it's so important to get clear about your strengths and weaknesses around financial management, as well as, if applicable, those of your partner. Jess is a staunch advocate for no-nonsense, transparent dialogue between spouses, especially early on in the relationship.

By getting clear about each other's money management roles in marriage, you'll be able to nip financial infidelity in the bud!

Key Topics:

• Jess's Journey to Financial Services (3:56)
• Dealing with Her Partner's Financial Infidelity (12:36)
• What Makes a Great Financial Advisor? (19:01)
• Defining Financial Infidelity (24:17)
• Figuring Out Your Own and Your Partner's Ability to Manage Finances (35:20)
• Changing Mindsets and Beliefs Around Money through Financial Therapy (41:04)
• How to Deal with Financial Infidelity (44:07)
• Stephanie's and Kevin's Wrap-Up (49:26)

Resources:

• JessBost.com
• Jess Bost on LinkedIn
• Take Back Retirement #66: Transform Your Relationship with Money: Lessons from Bari Tessler

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"We believe that a simpler financial life, a less fraught financial life is one where you align your dollars with what's most important to you, with the life you want to lead, with your values." - Stephanie

Have you ever found yourself asking if the perfect moment to retire will ever come? Or whether you'll even have enough to live on when that moment arrives?

These are tough questions that countless people grapple with. Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines talk 'purposeful retirement' and how you can set goals and navigate your post-work life with flexibility and a foolproof strategy!

They introduce five essential questions to help align your financial resources with your desired retirement lifestyle. By understanding why you are retiring, what you want to do, who you are retiring for, where you want to spend your later years, and how things can change going forward, you forge a path that is both fulfilling and financially stable!

Stephanie and Kevin show how meaningful planning can prevent the pitfalls of an aimless life in retirement. They introduce the concept of "time bucketing," which helps in making the most of your newly available hours.

You'll also learn how to navigate common obstacles around our limited medical infrastructure and how to find the perfect retirement community. Find out how to pivot with grace and realign your priorities when you're (inevitably) faced with changes along your retirement journey!

Key Topics:

• Why are you retiring? (4:47)
• What do you want to do? (11:10)
• Who are you doing this for? (13:45)
• Where do you want to do this? (19:07)
• How can things change? (24:09)
• Overcoming reluctance to spend your savings (31:18)

• Take Back Retirement #74: Taking Charge: Carol Marak's Strategy for Solo Aging and Retirement Planning

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"Think about practicing for retirement long before you get there." -Mary Jo Hoffman

Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines sit down with aeronautical engineer-turned-artist Mary Jo Hoffman. Renowned for her captivating photography project, Still, Mary Jo shares her extraordinary journey from a 17-year career as a scientist into becoming a renowned essayist and found nature photographer!

Discover the pivotal moment when Mary Jo and her husband decided to switch roles in their professional lives, allowing her to fully embrace her creative passions. She talks about her spur-of-the-moment family move to France, which offered a cultural immersion for their children and a glimpse into what retirement could look like for her.

Balancing family life with a burgeoning creative career is no small feat. Mary Jo explains how she was able to integrate her newfound passion into her daily routine, and her secrets to staying productive as a creative while also being a stay-at-home parent.

They also delve into the practicalities of sustaining a creative career without compromising financial stability. Learn how living below your means can create the space needed for artistic endeavors.

Stephanie, Kevin, and Mary Jo touch on the importance of exploring various interests in preparation for retirement. According to Mary Jo, adaptability and thoughtful planning are non-negotiables on the road to a rewarding post-career life!

Key Topics:

• Practicing Retirement (03:27)
• Diving Headfirst into the Arts in Retirement (09:42)
• Being a Creative and Raising Kids (18:59)
• "Start Now and Start Soon!" (25:20)
• Monetizing Her Art and Writing Her First Book (30:08)
• "Taking a Picture a Day" (34:00)
• Why Mary Jo Had to Retire Before Becoming a Found Nature Photographer (41:44)
• What Most Retirees Love to Do (47:06)
• Stephanie and Kevin's Takeaways (49:11)

Resources:

• Mary Jo on Instagram
• STILL (blog)
• STILL: The Art of Noticing (book)
• Take Back Retirement Episode 87: Cultivating Creative Connections for Lifelong Wellness with Claire Waite Brown
• Take Back Retirement Episode 16: She Did It! Real Retirement Stories with Lori Osterberg

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"It wasn't nearly as traumatic for me as I was expecting it to be. I was a little concerned about how I would transition from having to get up and having that routine to creating a new one." - Sharon

Welcome to another edition of Real Retirement Stories - a series of Take Back Retirement. Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines chat with Sharon Johnson. After an illustrious 22-year career as an executive assistant at ABC Television, Sharon didn't slow down—instead, she switched gears and found a new calling co-hosting the 80s TV Ladies Podcast. Join in to hear her incredible journey from the bustling world of television execs to the equally dynamic realm of podcasting, where she revisits iconic 80s TV shows with a modern feminist perspective. Sharon's story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and finding joy in unexpected places.

Sharon originally envisioned her retirement as a time for travel and catching up on missed TV series, but life had other plans. Through her podcast, she rekindled her love for classic 80s shows like "A Different World," gaining fresh insights into the progressive roles women played both in front and behind the camera. Sharon also shares her serendipitous entry into the television industry in the mid-90s, working for an independent production company, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of TV production and storytelling.

Whether you're intrigued by the behind-the-scenes workings of TV production or the fresh perspectives that come with retirement, Sharon's story is a celebration of staying active, engaged, and ever-curious. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with nostalgia, wisdom, and the boundless opportunities that come with retirement.

Key Topics:

• Sharon's Original Plan for Retirement (04:07)
• 80s TV Shows and their Portrayal of Women (06:29)
• TV Industry Changes and Experiences of Women Behind the Camera (11:35)
• Retirement Concerns and Health Insurance Planning (17:27)
• Retirement and Transition from Office to Remote Work During COVID-19 (22:01)
• Analyzing Programs such as Grey's Anatomy and Remington Steele (25:56)
• Retirement Planning, Identity, and Transition (37:37)
• Stephanie and Kevin's Wrap-Up (43:13)

Resources:

• 80s TV Ladies Podcast

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"Each dollar today buys less than the same dollar did 10 years ago. Which is why a lot of financial advisors are so focused on helping clients grow their money over time. It's not to become wealthy and die with the most money, it's because the cost of living goes up over time." - Stephanie

Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines demystify the often-frustrating world of inflation and its daily impact on our wallets. They dive into how rising prices sneakily erode your purchasing power and why this is a crucial consideration for your financial plans, especially when eyeing retirement. Stephanie and Kevin shed light on how personal spending patterns can differ from the inflation rates reported in the news, making it essential to tailor your investment strategies to your unique lifestyle.

They also explore the intricate dance between inflation and interest rates, breaking down how the Federal Reserve's moves can affect everything from your savings account to your mortgage rates. As they transition to retirement planning, Stephanie and Kevin bust the myth that retirees should play it ultra-safe with their investments.

Learn why incorporating growth assets like stocks is critical to outpacing inflation and ensuring long-term financial security. Plus, discover the benefits of flexible spending and part-time income to make your retirement savings last longer. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with practical advice for safeguarding your financial future.

Key Topics:

• Inflation, its Definition, and its Impact on Personal Finance (02:19)
• How Inflation is Measured and its Impact on the Economy (06:09)
• How Inflation Impacts Retirement Planning + Mapping Financial Projections (15:57)
• Inflation, Retirement Savings, and Investments (24:22)
• Retirement Planning and Accounting for Inflation (30:12)

Resources:

• Take Back Retirement Episode 15: What Women Need to Know About Social Security
• Take Back Retirement Episode 82: Getting the Most from Social Security: Smart Strategies for Women with Heather Schreiber
• Take Back Retirement Episode 60: What Women Need to Know About Annuities
• Take Back Retirement Episode 7: Here's a Secret: We're Guessing, and That's OK

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"If the average life expectancy for a woman is around 86, 87, fully 50% of women live longer than that. So, you can't plan just to age 87."

Can a simple quiz change the way you think about retirement? Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines uncover the hidden gems (and not-so-shiny stones) within retirement planning quizzes and surveys, especially a revealing retirement income literacy quiz from the American College of Financial Services. Our hosts dismantle common myths, like the idea that Medicaid will seamlessly cover long-term care costs, and arm you with the knowledge to navigate these complex waters.

Have you ever considered how rising long-term care costs and inflation might impact your golden years? This discussion, inspired by findings from the National Institute for Retirement Security, paints a vivid picture of these pressing issues. From Medicare and Social Security to life insurance, 401k plans, and annuities, Stephanie and Kevin dissect the tools at your disposal. By highlighting the importance of basic investing principles and the balance of risks, they aim to help you safeguard your savings against inflation and elongate your nest egg for a potentially longer retirement.

In a climate where up to 80% of women sense a looming retirement crisis, how can you alleviate your retirement anxiety? Our hosts explore the shift from employer-provided pension plans to self-funded retirements, and why Social Security remains a lifeline for many. Rising living, healthcare, and long-term care costs are at the forefront of concerns, making financial planning more crucial than ever.

Key Topics:

• Why Did Stephanie and Kevin Take a Retirement Income "Literacy" Quiz? (02:11)
• Long-term Care, Medicare vs Medicaid, and More (04:10)
• What Women Think about Retirement (07:49)
• Life Expectancy Beyond 65 and its Impact on Retirement Finances (14:37)
• Looking Beyond Investments in Retirement Planning (19:08)
• Women's Outlook on Retirement (Crisis) (21:40)
• Longevity "Literacy" (27:32)
• Wrap-Up (32:26)

Resources:

Take Back Retirement Episodes:

• 82: Getting the Most from Social Security: Smart Strategies for Women with Heather Schreiber
• 15: What Women Need to Know About Social Security
• 21: Simplifying Medicare: What's Important For You To Know with Susan Sloan
• 60: What Women Need to Know About Annuities

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

Find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"Human beings going into retirement will find every excuse to not spend their money" - Dan Haylett

Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines sit down with financial advisor Dan Haylett. As the host of the "Humans Vs Retirement" podcast, Dan tells us how he inspires retirees to grab life by the horns and experience true wealth in their later years.

Listen in as Dan breaks down the five Fs of retirement, how to find meaning in a post-career life, the importance of asking what it is you're retiring to rather than simply what you're retiring from, and how to overcome the fear of spending your savings once you finally cross that threshold into retirement.

He also addresses the all-too-common fear of running out of your hard-earned money after stepping away from your career life. Dan teaches us to shatter that paradigm by putting our money to work and reframing the idea of "leaving a legacy" to our children.

Key Topics:

• The Five Fs of Retiring Successfully (5:24)
• Helping Retirees Find Purpose in Retirement (5:52)
• Reframing the Structure of Your Life in Retirement (16:50)
• Overcoming Frugality (23:29)
• Embracing Future Adjustments (31:45)
• Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty (35:43)
• Asset Location, Asset Assignment (39:05)
• The New Retirement Mindset (45:36)
• Stephanie and Kevin's Wrap-Up and Takeaways (47:18)

Resources:

• www.humansvsretirement.com
• The Humans vs Retirement Podcast
• The Human Quirk of Relative & Absolute Outcomes

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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"Dad, you trusted me with everything. I'm trusting you with the truth." -Nancy May

Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines sit down with Nancy May, who drops some real truth bombs relating to eldercare and supporting aging parents and relatives. Nancy's personal journey sheds light on the complexities and sacrifices involved in this critical role. This candid discussion unpacks the essentials, from establishing a durable power of attorney to assembling a dependable team of legal and financial advisors.

When the care of loved ones falls into your hands, knowing how to navigate family dynamics and the challenges of coordinating care is crucial. This episode peels back the layers of emotion and responsibility that come with making critical decisions, whether it's choosing the right elder care facility or handling the financial burdens that come with it.

The conversation turns to practical strategies for caregiver training, maintaining a cohesive care team, and ensuring the highest quality of life for our aging parents. Nancy's resources, such as her book "How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies," and her podcast, Eldercare Success, provide listeners with actionable advice and the essential conversations to have now for a better-prepared future. Listen in for a deeper understanding of the eldercare landscape, and the tools to confidently step into the role of caregiver.

Key Topics:

• Welcome, Eldercare Expert, Nancy May (02:33)
• Financial and Emotional Impacts on Caregivers of Aging Parents (04:04)
• Caregiving Responsibilities and Decision-making for Aging Parents (07:50)
• End-of-life and Estate Planning (13:21)
• Aging Care Facilities, What to Know (23:42)
• The Importance of Understanding Contracts and Quality of Care (28:45)
• Finding and Managing Trusted Caregivers for Elderly Parents (38:27)
• Stephanie and Kevin's Wrap-up and Takeaways (49:42)

Resources:

• HowToSurvive911.com
• How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies (book)
• Eldercare Success Podcast

If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. [email protected]

You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.