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You may have more working years ahead of you than you think — and that can be a good thing. In this episode, personal finance expert and author Kerry Hannon joins the Retirement Navigator Podcast to talk about what she calls the longevity economy: the growing reality that many people retiring today could have 25 to 30 years of life ahead of them, often without enough savings to cover it.

Kerry walks us through what that means for your retirement income, your career options, and your sense of purpose. Whether you are still in the workforce and want to stay there, looking to start something new, or trying to figure out how to stretch a fixed income, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance you can act on.

This episode is especially helpful if you have ever felt behind on retirement planning or wondered whether it is too late to make a change. Kerry's message is clear: it is not too late, and you have more to offer than you may realize.

Key Topics Covered

The longevity economy explained — why longer lifespans are changing the way we think about retirement income, work, and financial planning

Starting a second-act career — how people 55 and older are launching new careers, small businesses, and meaningful work they love

Three pillars of a successful career transition — financial fitness, physical health, and inner soul-searching, and how each one supports the others

Staying relevant in the workplace — practical ways to fight ageism, embrace new technology including AI, and keep your skills current

How to use AI tools as an older worker — simple, low-pressure ways to start exploring tools like ChatGPT without feeling overwhelmed

Remote work and flexible jobs — where to find legitimate work-from-home opportunities and how the remote work landscape has settled since the pandemic

How to find a financial advisor you can trust — what a fee-only CFP is, why fiduciary responsibility matters, and free tools to get started on your own

LinkedIn for seniors and job seekers — why your LinkedIn profile matters even if you are not actively job hunting, and simple ways to stay visible

Physical health as a financial strategy — why staying healthy is one of the most important things you can do to protect your retirement savings and reduce future medical costs

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is a good fit for you if you are:

Approaching retirement and realizing your savings may not stretch as far as you hoped

In your 50s or 60s and wondering whether a career change is still realistic

Currently working and noticing signs of age discrimination or being passed over

Out of the workforce — due to caregiving, health, or a layoff — and thinking about re-entering

Living on a fixed income or Social Security and looking for ways to supplement it

Simply curious about what a fulfilling second chapter could look like for you

Why This Matters Now

Social Security was never designed to fund a 30-year retirement. With the full retirement age at 66 or 67, and many people living well into their 80s and 90s, the financial math has changed — even if the planning conversations have not caught up. Out-of-pocket medical costs in retirement can reach six figures, and that number does not include assisted care. The earlier you start thinking about income, skills, and health, the more options you will have.

If this episode got you thinking, we would love to have you along for more. Subscribe to the Retirement Navigator Podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a friend or family member who might need to hear it.

And remember what Kerry said at the end: Just take that first step. There is no perfect path, and there is no right or wrong way to do this. You have more time, more skills, and more options than you may think.

Connect with Kerry:
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryhannon/ 
-Website: KerryHannon.com 
-Yahoo Finance: search "Kerry Hannon" on Yahoo Finance for articles on retirement, Social Security, Medicare, and more

Kerry Hannon is a leading expert on careers, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and retirement, with more than three decades of experience covering the changing world of work. 

-She is a senior columnist and on-air expert for Yahoo Finance and has written for major outlets including Forbes, The New York Times, Money, and USA Today.
-Kerry is the bestselling author of 14 books, including In Control at 50+, Great Jobs for Everyone 50+, and Never Too Old to Get Rich. 
-Her work focuses on helping adults 50+ navigate career transitions, retirement, financial security, entrepreneurship, and finding meaningful work later in life.
-Kerry has testified before the U.S. Senate on older workers and the future of retirement work, and she is widely recognized as a trusted voice on the realities of working longer.
-Through her writing, speaking, and media appearances, Kerry helps people rethink aging, retirement, and what’s possible in the second half of life. 

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If you've been worried about Social Security's future, confused about caregiving costs, or wondering whether your retirement savings will last — this episode was made for you. Kwame sits down with Andy Eschtruth, Director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, for an honest, clear-headed conversation about the real state of retirement in America today.

Andy has spent three decades studying how people plan for — and live through — retirement. In this episode, he breaks down the Social Security funding shortfall in plain language, explains what it actually means for people already receiving benefits, and shares what Congress is likely to do about it. He also opens up about his own parents' caregiving journey and what it taught him about the non-financial side of retirement.

This conversation goes beyond money. It covers social isolation, the caregiving workforce crisis, emergency savings gaps, and the surprising truth about what actually determines happiness in retirement. If you're living on a fixed income or approaching retirement, this episode gives you the kind of grounded, practical insight that's hard to find anywhere else.

Key Topics Covered
-The Social Security shortfall explained simply — what it means, how serious it is, and what the realistic outcomes are for current and future beneficiaries
-What Congress is likely to do — and why history suggests action will come late but will come
-How raising the retirement age is actually a benefit cut — and what that means if you claim early
-The caregiving crisis — workforce shortages, affordability, and what options exist for middle-income families
-Social isolation in retirement — why your social life may matter more than your bank account
-Emergency savings in retirement — why 2 in 5 retired households can't cover unexpected expenses, and what that means for your daily decisions
-The National Retirement Risk Index — the sobering statistic that 40–50% of American workers are not on track to maintain their standard of living in retirement
-Workplace retirement savings access — why only 1 in 2 private sector workers participates in a retirement plan, and what's being done about it


Who This Episode Is For
This episode is especially valuable if you are:

-Already retired or within 10 years of retirement
-Receiving or planning to receive Social Security benefits
-Caring for an aging parent or concerned about your own future care needs
-Living on a fixed income and trying to make your savings last
-Someone who wants clear, research-backed information — not opinion or alarm


Why This Matters Now
Social Security's trust fund is projected to face a shortfall within six years under current conditions. At the same time, caregiving costs are rising, the caregiver workforce is shrinking, and many retirees are facing unexpected expenses with little cushion. Understanding where things stand — and what options exist — helps you make more informed decisions about your own retirement security, right now.

*Andrew Eschtruth is the director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.  He joined the Center in 1999 and served as associate director for external relations and then deputy director until assuming the director role in 2025.  His interests include Social Security program design and finances, expanding access to workplace-based retirement plans, and improving the nation’s long-term care system.  In his previous roles, he oversaw the Center’s communication activities and managed relationships with the government, foundation, and corporate communities.  Eschtruth is the co-author (with Charles D. Ellis and Alicia H. Munnell) of Falling Short: The Coming Retirement Crisis and What to Do About It (Oxford University Press, 2014).

Before joining the Center, Eschtruth was a senior research analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) specializing in Social Security, federal fiscal policy, and the economic implications of an aging population.  While at the GAO, he served on a special assignment as an aide to the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.  Eschtruth earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in public policy from Duke University. 

If this conversation gave you something useful — a clearer picture of Social Security, a new way to think about caregiving, or simply the reassurance that you're not alone in navigating these questions — please consider sharing it with a friend or family member who could benefit.

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For adults on a fixed income or navigating retirement, understanding the healthcare system for aging loved ones can feel confusing and costly. This conversation helps cut through that — with honest, experience-based advice on what steps to take, when to bring in help, and how to ask the right questions.


Key Topics Covered

- What dementia really is — and why it's much more than memory loss (it affects safety, judgment, finances, and daily independence)

- The most common types of dementia explained simply: Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and mixed

- Risk factors you can actually influence — blood pressure, diet, physical activity, social connection, and family history

- Early warning signs to look for when you visit a parent or older loved one, especially around Mother's Day or Father's Day

- How to start a conversation with a resistant parent about getting help

- What a care manager actually does — and how they coordinate doctors, medications, home safety, and family decisions

- Special guidance for "solo agers" — older adults living alone without close family nearby

- How AI monitoring tools can support seniors living at home without replacing human care


Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who are caring for an aging parent or loved one — or starting to wonder if they should be. It's also for anyone planning ahead for their own aging who wants to understand what a care manager does and when to call one. If you have a neighbor, aunt, or family friend living alone, the segment on solo agers is especially worth your attention.

Why This Matters Now

Dementia affects an estimated 6 to 7 million people in the United States, and that number is growing as the population ages. Many families don't seek guidance until a crisis hits, which often leads to rushed decisions and higher long-term care costs. Getting informed early — even if nothing seems wrong yet — helps protect your loved one's independence and gives you the legal and financial groundwork you need if things do change.


If this episode gave you something to think about, consider sharing it with a sibling, adult child, or friend who is also navigating care for an older loved one. Subscribing to the Retirement Navigator Podcast means you'll always have a calm, trustworthy voice in your corner as you plan for the years ahead. Every episode is made with one goal: helping you feel more prepared and less alone.


Resources

Guidance Care Management — gcmfix.com (launching soon)
Service area: Remote consultations available nationally. In-person preferred in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and compact nursing states.


Contact Gina directly: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginadnegri/
Website: http://www.primacarecom.com/

Gina brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience — from hospital bedside nursing to long-term care, home care agency ownership, and now care management. She walks through the different types of dementia, early warning signs families often miss, and why getting guidance early makes a real difference in quality of life for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. Gina is a clinician and trained Nurse Practitioner specializing in eldercare, with more than three decades of experience supporting older adults across the continuum of care. Her background spans direct patient care, clinical leadership, and quality-focused operations, and she now advises and advocates for families navigating the day-to-day realities of dementia care.

She is also a:

Bedside Nurse
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Director of Nursing (Long-Term Care)
Utilization Management / Quality Management Professional
Home Care Agency Manager
Dementia Care Advisor and Family Advocate

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Many people believe senior living only becomes relevant after a health crisis—but that’s often too late to make the best decisions.

In this episode, Kwame sits down with Michelle, a senior living executive, to explore how planning earlier can open up more choices, better outcomes, and greater peace of mind.

You’ll learn how today’s senior living communities are very different from the outdated “nursing home” image. From independent living to full continuum care, modern options focus on lifestyle, connection, and purpose—not just safety. Michelle also explains how families—especially those in the “sandwich generation”—can start thoughtful, low-pressure conversations that lead to better long-term decisions.

If you’re living on a fixed income or thinking about future care needs, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help you plan with confidence and avoid costly surprises down the road.


Key Topics Covered:

- Why senior living is more than just nursing homes
- The benefits of starting your research early
- How independent living and rental communities work
- Understanding the full range of care options (independent, assisted, memory care, skilled nursing)
- The real cost comparison: aging at home vs. community living
- How the “sandwich generation” can support aging parents
- Why connection, purpose, and daily engagement matter for healthy aging
- How technology is improving safety and quality of life for older adults


Who This Episode Is For:
- Adults age 55+ planning their next stage of retirement
- Seniors living on a fixed income who want to understand future care costs
- Adult children helping aging parents explore care options
- Anyone curious about independent living, assisted living, or continuing care communities


Why This Matters Now:

People are living longer, and the cost of care—whether at home or in a community—continues to rise. Starting the conversation early gives you more control, more options, and a better chance to align your choices with your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

You might also share this episode with a family member or friend who is starting to think about senior living options—it could help make an important conversation a little easier.

Michelle Curnow is a dynamic sales and brand leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, leading high-performing teams, and building strategic pathways for operational excellence. As the Senior Vice President of Sales and Brand for Asbury Communities, Michelle oversees the full spectrum of sales process leadership, performance analytics, CRM strategy, and integrated branding initiatives across the organization.

Michelle brings a proven track record of elevating team capability, developing sales playbooks, and fostering a data-informed, customer-centric culture. Her leadership in brand strategy and public relations has fueled occupancy and revenue gains, while positioning Asbury as a mission-driven market leader. Michelle began her career with the New Jersey Sharing Network, where she spent over a decade developing hospital partnerships, advancing public health education, and supporting patient and family experience initiatives across the transplant continuum before transitioning into senior living sales and marketing in community based and regional roles supporting all levels of senior living throughout the eastern United States. Michelle is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders and nurturing a culture of excellence that fuels momentum toward 100% occupancy and beyond. 

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Caregiving often begins quietly—then suddenly becomes a central part of life. In this episode, Carol shares her deeply personal journey into caregiving and what she learned after years of supporting neighbors, parents, and loved ones through aging, illness, and dementia.

You’ll hear honest, real-world advice on how to navigate caregiving responsibilities, especially when they come without warning. From starting difficult conversations to managing stress and family dynamics, this episode offers calm, practical guidance for older adults and families facing these challenges.

If you’re caring for a spouse, parent, or loved one—or preparing for what may come—this conversation can help you feel more grounded, informed, and supported.

Key Topics Covered:
- How caregiving often begins unexpectedly—and how to adjust
- Simple ways to start important family conversations early
- Key legal documents to consider (wills, power of attorney, care preferences)
- Managing caregiver stress and avoiding burnout
- The role of support groups and why they matter
- Navigating family dynamics and sharing responsibilities
- Practical ways to care for yourself while caring for others
- Why no caregiver gets everything “right”—and why that’s okay

Who This Episode Is For:
- Adults 55+ caring for aging parents or a spouse
- Seniors planning ahead for their own care needs
- Family members feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin
- Anyone living on a fixed income balancing caregiving and daily expenses

Why This Matters Now:
As more families take on caregiving roles, many are doing so without clear guidance or support. With rising healthcare costs and longer life expectancies, understanding caregiving, planning ahead, and protecting your own well-being has never been more important.

Connect with Carol Bradley Bursack
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindingourelders/

- Minding Our Elders Website: 
https://www.mindingoureldersblog.com/
https://www.mindingourelders.com/

- Minding Our Elders on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindingOurElders/

- Minding Our Elders on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingourelders/

Resources:
- Better Health While Aging (training and caregiver support):
https://www.betterhealthwhileaging.net

- The Alzheimer’s Association (education and resources): https://www.alz.org

- A Place for Mom (care planning guidance): https://www.aplaceformom.com/

- Prepare for Your Care (advance care planning tools): https://prepareforyourcare.org/en/prepare/welcome

- Book: Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories (https://a.co/d/0691G1TP)

- Online caregiver support groups (including AgingCare and AARP communities)

If this episode spoke to you, consider sharing it with someone who may be going through a similar experience. You’re also welcome to follow the podcast for more conversations on retirement, caregiving, Medicare, and senior benefits. 

And if you’d like to connect with others navigating similar challenges, joining a supportive community can make a meaningful difference. 


*Author, columnist, and consultant Carol Bradley Bursack spent over two decades caring for a neighbor and six elderly family members. As a result of this experience, she wrote Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories, a portable support group for caregivers. Her dedication to other caregivers eventually led her to become a certified dementia support group facilitator.

Carol’s websites, Minding Our Elders and Minding Our Elders Blog, include links to helpful agencies, articles rich with information and comfort, and resources for caregiver, boomer, and elder needs. Her long-running newspaper column, also called “Minding Our Elders,” is available weekly in multiple newspapers online and in print.

Carol is the spokesperson and writer for Egosancares.com, is “Ask Carol” on the Egosancares website, and manages their social media. She also facilitates an incontinence support group co-sponsored by Egosan and SenecaSense.com. Carol facilitates a caregiver support group for Leslie Kernisan, MD of Better Health While Aging, and is interviewed regularly by A Place for Mom and serves as an article reviewer for the company. Throughout the years, Carol has written hundreds of articles for Agingcare.com, HealthCentral.com, and others.

Because of this ongoing work, Carol’s been interviewed on national radio shows, including NPR’s Talk of the Nation; Senior Solutions, produced by Detroit Area Agency on Aging; and Wisconsin Public Radio. She’s routinely interviewed by newspapers, magazines, and on major websites, including Reader’s Digest (Digital), Next Avenue, Salon.com, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The USA Today Network, Chicago-based Make It Better magazine, The Upside of Aging, Booming Encore, US News & World Report, and Market Watch, and more.

Besides authoring “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories,” Carol wrote ‘Swimming upstream in a media library,’ a contribution to “A Handbook for Media Librarians,” edited by Katherine Schopflin, Hardcopy published by Facet, 2008, and online, 2018.

She’s contributed to other dementia and caregiving titles including “Dementia: Frank and Linda’s story: New approaches, new understanding, new hope,” (Lion-Monarch, March 2010); and was a content editor for “Finding Joy in Alzheimer’s: New Hope for Caregivers” (2015), by Marie Marley, Ph.D., and Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN. She wrote a foreword for the second edition of “Wishes to Die For: Advance Care Directives that Grant Caregivers Lasting Peace,” by Kevin J. Haselhorst, MD (2015), as well as for “Caregiving Both Ways” (2019) by Molly Wisniewski. She is also a contributor to an anthology edited by Marita Golden titled “Us Against Alzheimer’s: Stories of Love, Family, and Faith” (2019).

Carol finds joy in supporting others as they struggle through their challenges and by indulging in her love of reading. 

Minding Our Elders Website: http://www.mindingoureldersblog.com/
Minding Our Elders on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindingOurElders/
Minding Our Elders on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingourelders/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindingourelders/

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What if retirement didn’t have to mean stopping work completely? In this episode, we explore a growing idea called “unretirement”—a more flexible, balanced approach to life after full-time work.

Our guest shares how many older adults are choosing to work part-time, volunteer, or start something new while still enjoying more freedom. With longer life expectancies and rising costs of living, retirement today can last 25 to 40 years. That makes thoughtful planning more important than ever—especially for those living on a fixed income or relying on Social Security.

We also walk through practical concerns many seniors face, including when to claim Social Security, how to think about Medicare, planning for long-term care, and ways to stay engaged and purposeful. The goal is simple: help you feel more confident and prepared for the years ahead.

Key Topics Covered
- What “unretirement” means and why more people are choosing it
- How to create additional retirement income through part-time work or flexible opportunities
- Important Social Security updates, including when it may make sense to delay benefits
- Why saving is still important, even in your 60s and beyond
- Understanding Medicare basics and common mistakes to avoid
- Planning ahead for long-term care costs and coverage gaps
- How to find purpose, structure, and connection after leaving full-time work
- Simple mindset shifts to help you adapt to a longer retirement

Who This Episode Is For
- Are age 55+ and thinking about retirement or already retired
- Rely on or plan to rely on Social Security or a fixed income
- Feel unsure if your savings will last
- Are open to part-time work, consulting, or new opportunities
- Want clear, practical guidance on senior benefits and planning decisions

Why This Matters Now
Retirement is changing. People are living longer, pensions are less common, and many households depend heavily on Social Security. At the same time, costs—especially healthcare—continue to rise. Understanding your options now can help you make more confident, informed decisions for the future.

*Richard Eisenberg is an "unretired" journalist and podcaster. He writes The View From Unretirement column for MarketWatch, co-hosts the Friends Talk Money personal finance podcast and freelances for Kiplinger and the Stanford Center on Longevity Magazine. Before unretiring in 2022, he was Managing Editor of Next Avenue, the PBS site for people 50+, and editor of its Money and Work channels. Previously, he was Executive Editor of Money Magazine, Front Page Finance Editor at Yahoo! and Special Projects Director/Money Editor at Good Housekeeping. He has also run the NYU Summer Publishing Institute's Digital Media Strategies program and taught a MasterClass in Unretirement for NYU. He is the author of How to Avoid a Midlife Financial Crisis and the Money Book of Personal Finance. 

MarketWatch column Richard writes: https://www.marketwatch.com/author/richard-eisenberg 
Friends Talk Money podcast: https://friendstalkmoney.org/ 
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardeisenberg/ 
Twitter: @richeis315
X.com: https://x.com/richeis315 
Phone Number: 908-456-2089 
Email Address: [email protected]  


If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing to The Retirement Navigator so you don’t miss future conversations.

You might also share this episode with a friend or family member who is planning for retirement. These are important topics, and having support makes a difference. 

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Choosing Medicare at age 65 may seem like a simple decision—but it can shape your healthcare access for decades. Many people focus on monthly premiums and extra benefits, without realizing they’re making a long-term decision that could affect their options later in life.

In this episode, we break down the key differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in a clear, easy-to-follow way. You’ll learn how enrollment timing, coverage structure, and future flexibility all play a role in protecting your retirement income and access to care.

If you rely on Social Security or live on a fixed income, understanding these choices now can help you avoid costly surprises later.

Key Topics Covered:

•  Why your Medicare decision is more than just choosing insurance 
•  The difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage 
•  How Medigap (supplement plans) helps cover out-of-pocket costs 
•  What “guaranteed issue” means and why it matters at age 65 
•  The risks of switching plans later in retirement 
•  How networks and prior authorization can affect your care 
•  Why low premiums don’t always mean lower long-term costs 

Who This Episode Is For:

•  Adults age 55+ planning for Medicare enrollment 
•  Seniors currently comparing Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare 
•  Retirees living on a fixed income who want predictable healthcare costs 
•  Anyone wanting to better understand senior benefits and healthcare choices 

Why This Matters Now:
With rising healthcare costs and ongoing Medicare changes, making the right decision early is more important than ever. Your initial enrollment period may be your best opportunity to secure flexibility and avoid future restrictions.

Resources Mentioned:

•  Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D overview 
•  Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans and how they work 
•  Initial Enrollment Period and guaranteed issue rights 

 If you found this helpful, consider subscribing for more clear and reliable updates on Medicare, Social Security, and retirement income. You can also share this episode with a friend or family member who may be approaching age 65 and making these important decisions.

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Choosing the right care for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to senior living. Many families don’t start planning until a crisis happens, which can lead to rushed decisions and added stress.

In this episode, a senior living expert with over 20 years of experience explains the different types of care available, from independent living to memory care, and how to recognize when extra support may be needed. You’ll also learn how costs work, what financial resources may help, and why early conversations can make all the difference.

If you or a loved one are living on a fixed income or planning for future care, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you make informed, confident decisions—without pressure or confusion.

Key Topics Covered
- How to recognize early signs that extra care or support may be needed
- The different types of senior living options and what each provides
- Understanding Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and why they matter for safety
- When aging at home is realistic—and when it may no longer be sustainable
- Real-world costs of assisted living, memory care, and in-home care
- Ways to pay for care, including retirement income, savings, and senior benefits
- Why early planning helps avoid crisis decisions and reduces family stress
- The importance of power of attorney and having legal plans in place

Who This Episode Is For
- Adults age 55+ planning for future care needs
- Seniors living on a fixed income or managing retirement income
- Family caregivers supporting aging parents or loved ones
- Anyone wanting to better understand senior benefits, care options, and costs

Why This Matters Now
With longer life expectancies and rising cost of living, many retirees may spend 20–30 years in retirement. Planning ahead for care—whether at home or in a community—can help protect your finances, maintain independence longer, and reduce stress for both you and your family.

Connect with Niki Gewirtz
Niki Gewirtz is a senior living expert and Training Manager at A Place for Mom, a leading national senior care advisory service that helps families navigate options like memory care, assisted living, independent living, and home care. She joined A Place for Mom in 2017 and has more than two decades of experience advising families on senior care decisions, bringing deep frontline knowledge of the challenges and practical considerations that come with aging support.
In her current role, Niki leads training for the Sales Performance and Training team, helping advisors strengthen their ability to support seniors and their loved ones with confidence and clarity. She also contributes to A Place for Mom’s YouTube channel and other expert content, sharing insights into memory care, care transitions, and what families most need to know when planning for the future.

Website: https://www.aplaceformom.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-gewirtz-1a5b5a5/
Email Address: [email protected]


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If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations about retirement. 

You can also share this episode with a friend or family member who may be starting this journey—it could help them feel more prepared and supported.

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Did you know that if you’re divorced, you may be eligible for up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits? Many leave money on the table simply because they misunderstand the rules. In this episode, Kwame Kuadey breaks down exactly how divorce affects Social Security and what you need to know to claim your benefits confidently.

We’ll cover eligibility rules, common mistakes, and claiming strategies so you can maximize your retirement income. Kwame also explains why your ex-spouse cannot block your benefits, how remarriage affects your options, and what to watch out for if you were previously denied due to a public pension.

Whether you’re planning your retirement or managing fixed income, this episode provides clear, practical guidance to help you access the Social Security benefits you’ve earned.

Key Topics Covered

• Eligibility requirements for claiming Social Security based on an ex-spouse’s record
• How divorce length, age, and remarriage affect your benefits
• Calculating your potential payout and timing your claim
• Common mistakes that reduce benefits, including claiming too early or missing important documents
• Differences between spousal, divorce, and survivor benefits
• Updates on the Social Security Fairness Act and public pension rules
• Essential documents and information needed to file successfully

Who This Episode Is For

• People aged 55+ or anyone approaching retirement
• Divorced individuals seeking clarity on Social Security benefits
• People living on a fixed income who want to maximize retirement income
• Anyone who wants a simple, trustworthy guide to navigating government programs like Social Security

Why This Matters Now

Many are unaware of recent changes to Social Security and public pension rules. Understanding your eligibility now can help ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to and plan for a secure retirement.

Resources Mentioned

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov
• Daily 3 Newsletter – Practical updates for seniors on retirement and benefits: https://benefitsinsider.co

If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing to The Retirement Navigator Podcast for more clear, calm guidance on Social Security, Medicare, and senior benefits. Share this episode with friends or family who may benefit, and join our community for ongoing tips to protect and maximize your retirement income.

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Many retirees did everything “right” - worked for decades, saved consistently, and planned carefully - yet retirement still feels different than expected. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How am I supposed to live now?” this episode is for you.
In this relaunch of the Retirement Navigator podcast, Kwame introduces a new direction focused not just on Social Security updates, Medicare, or retirement income planning - but on the deeper question of how to live with meaning, dignity, and forward motion after work ends.
He shares five guiding principles for what he calls the “Second Act” of life - practical, steady reminders designed to support seniors living on fixed income, navigating senior benefits, and adjusting to the emotional and practical realities of retirement.   

In this episode, you’ll discover: 

• Why retirement is not a withdrawal from life
• The idea that “You are not done yet” - your life still carries weight and purpose
• Why health is your first currency, and how Medicare and senior benefits support it
• How to rebuild purpose after leaving a long career
• Why community is essential - not weakness, but strategy
• What “forward motion” really means (small daily actions that matter)
• How retirement income, Social Security, and health all connect to independence

This show is for you if you are:  

• Adults 55+ adjusting to retirement 
• Seniors living on Social Security or fixed income 
• Anyone feeling uncertain, smaller, or slower in this stage of life 
• Retirees who prepared financially but still feel something is missing
• Older adults looking for meaning beyond numbers and benefits

Why This Matters Now 

With rising cost of living, ongoing Social Security discussions, and constant news about Medicare and government programs, it’s easy for retirement conversations to focus only on finances. But financial stability alone does not answer the deeper question many seniors face: How do I live well now?
This episode shifts the conversation from just retirement income planning to living deliberately, even when retirement looks different than expected.

Resources Mentioned  

Senior First Community 

Chapter Medicare 

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