The Simply Retirement Podcast 2o4b40

Most people think Social Security is straightforward—until taxes show up. The truth is, what you don’t know about how your benefits are taxed can cost you more than you expect. In this episode, I explain how Social Security gets taxed and why it hits harder for women filing single later in life. I break down the tax torpedo, walk through real examples, and share strategies to help you keep more of your income in retirement. Key points: What provisional income is and how it determines whether Social Security benefits are taxable How even tax-free income sources like municipal bonds can increase Social Security taxation The “Social Security tax torpedo” and how small withdrawals can trigger significantly higher taxes Why Roth IRAs and strategic withdrawal planning can reduce the overall tax impact The importance of early preparation, especially for women who may file as single in later retirement And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  Social Security Quick Reference Guide for 2025 Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube 

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with difficult questions about protecting your assets,  Social Security benefits, and market uncertainties.  In this episode, I answer listener questions about whether to choose a living trust or a will, explain how Social Security benefits work for widows and divorced women, and discuss how to prepare your retirement income for market ups and downs. I also share practical tips on building a financial safety net and touch on the importance of tax planning through retirement stages. Key points: The considerations involved in deciding between a will and a living trust, emphasizing the importance of privacy How divorce can affect Social Security benefits, and whether it’s possible to receive higher benefits based on a former spouse’s record The Social Security Fairness Act and how it impacts individuals, specifically teachers, receiving both a pension and Social Security Strategies to preserve your retirement income The conditions under which children can receive Social Security retirement benefits, a topic that is not frequently discussed And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  #22 – How to Secure Your Legacy Women’s Retirement Success Webinar Series Savvy Social Security Planning for Women Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube

Inheriting an IRA can feel like stepping into a financial minefield — but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your legacy. How do you know which rules apply? What if you miss a critical tax deadline? What should you do first? In this episode, I break down the five essential steps every woman should take after inheriting an IRA. I explain how the Secure Act changed the rules, when required distributions apply, and how to think about taxes and investment strategy. Topics covered: How to determine if you’re a spousal or non-spousal beneficiary The importance of knowing your IRA type: Traditional vs. Roth Required distributions and understanding the fine print of the 10-year rule Tailoring investment strategies to your individual needs post-inheritance Tips for tax-efficient distribution strategies, including qualified charitable distributions And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  #50 – Women Will Soon Control the Financial Landscape – But Is the Financial Services Industry Ready? #6 – Why the Right Questions Can Save Your Retirement #3 – Preparing for Retirement: Seven Essential Strategies for Successful Investing in Retirement 2025 Tax and Retirement Planning Guide – Important Numbers your free checklist to make confident decisions with an inherited IRA Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube 

Choosing a Medicare plan is just the beginning. What comes next can have a big impact on your healthcare and wallet. In this episode, I sit down with Traci Grover, a seasoned insurance broker with Vital Health Coverage, to help you understand how to get the most from your Medicare benefits. We explore the dos and don’ts of enrollment, bust myths from TV ads, and cover key deadlines and decisions that could affect your long-term costs.  Traci explores: Essential Medicare enrollment tips The importance of working with an experienced broker The truth behind those flashy TV ads What never to say when asked about your insurance at the doctor’s office Navigating plan changes during annual election periods The impact of prescription plans and how to manage them Key deadlines to mark on your Medicare calendar And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  #28 – Medicare Explained: How to Choose the Right Plan for You Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube  Connect with Traci Grover:  LinkedIn: Traci Grover Vital Health Coverage (214) 945-7359 [email protected]  About our Guest:  Traci Grover is a dedicated health insurance agent and advisor who provides coverage for individuals of all ages. Her primary focus is the Medicare market. Traci has been an agent since 2018 and has worked in the healthcare industry for the last two decades. She helps consumers make smart decisions for a secure future when determining their healthcare insurance options. Every client has unique individual needs. Traci bundles their priorities and needs into one protection package tailored specifically for them. It’s important to have an agent like Traci to help navigate the process and find the best fit. As people age and their needs change, they can rely on Traci to be available and ensure their health insurance needs are covered. Her clients range from those of Medicare age to young families, entrepreneurs, contract workers, individuals bridging to Medicare age, and those in between jobs. Her resources come at no cost to her clients.

The financial services industry is facing a significant shift as women are positioned to control an increasing share of wealth. This shift requires financial advisors to adapt their strategies to better serve women’s specific needs and priorities.  Are firms ready to change their long-held practices to meet the needs of this growing client base? In this milestone 50th episode, I explore the increasing control of wealth by women and the financial industry’s reaction to this change. I emphasize the necessity for advisors to change their methods to effectively serve women. Additionally, we share client stories that illustrate the specific concerns and needs of women in financial planning. Key points: The reasons behind financial advisors’ current concerns Why women are poised to control a significant portion of U.S. wealth The transition of financial responsibility that women experience post-divorce or widowhood How understanding emotional connections to money impacts financial decisions And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  Website: Savvy Ladies #17 – Financially Fearless Women with Barb Provost and Maggie Nielsen #26 – Navigating the Solo Aging Journey #30 – Prioritizing Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman #31 – Navigating Retirement Planning: Essential Tips for Women with Linda Lingo #43 – Glowing Older: Embracing Aging, Wellness, and Purposeful Living with Nancy Griffin Breaking Money Silence® by Kathleen Burns Kingsbury Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube 

What should you know before claiming Social Security benefits? Do you know the ins and outs of applying for benefits or how working affects your payments? Are you confused about common-law marriage eligibility? In this episode, I answer listener questions about Social Security benefits, from clarifying the differences between spousal and survivor benefits to explaining the impact of working while receiving benefits and the new identity verification requirements. I also address specific scenarios, including those involving teacher pensions and common-law marriages, to provide clear guidance and help listeners make informed decisions about their retirement. Tune in as we discuss:  Social Security identity verification changes and how to navigate them Survivor and spousal benefits—understanding your options How taxes impact surviving spouses and the widow’s penalty Insights into working in retirement and making informed choices And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  Get your Social Security inquiries answered by calling (800) 772-1213 SSA Press Release: Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day Social Security: My Social Security .gov  ID.ME  Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube 

What happens when you retire and no longer receive a paycheck? How do you pay your taxes in retirement?  This week on The Simply Retirement Podcast, I dive into this common concern among retirees. With the tax season freshly behind us, now’s a great time to address how you’ll handle taxes in your golden years. Key topics: Navigating IRS expectations for tax payments without a regular paycheck Options for tax withholding from Social Security, pensions, and IRAs Understanding marginal versus average tax rates in retirement The advantages of estimated quarterly tax payments  The rule of mandatory 20% tax withholding from company retirement plans The importance of consulting a knowledgeable financial advisor or tax professional  And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com  the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube

Your Social Security decisions can significantly impact your financial future. How can you make the most of these benefits while avoiding common pitfalls? In this episode, I explore three lesser-known Social Security strategies that could transform your retirement income plan. From timing benefits to maximizing survivor payouts, I give practical advice to help you make informed decisions for a stronger financial future. Episode Highlights: Withdrawing Social Security applications to correct early filing decisions, including the repayment process and impact on benefits Suspending benefits at full retirement age to increase future payouts or enhance survivor benefits for a spouse Claiming six months of retroactive benefits for flexibility in tax and income planning The tax implications of Social Security strategies, highlighting scenarios where planning minimizes lifetime tax liability The importance of consulting financial advisors who specialize in retirement to tailor strategies to individual circumstances And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  #39 – Empowering Women through New Beginnings with Shalonda Waggoner #40 – Social Security Fairness Act Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube

Have you ever wondered how you would navigate the healthcare maze as you age, especially if you’re flying solo?  Understanding the role of a Patient Advocate might just be the key to planning for your future with confidence and independence. me on the Simply Retirement Podcast as I dive into the world of patient advocacy with Nancy Ruffner, an experienced Patient Advocate and Aging Strategist. Nancy shares insights into ing individuals navigating complex healthcare decisions and sheds light on the “PIE framework,” an innovative approach to aligning the pieces of your retirement journey. Nancy discusses: What exactly Patient Advocate is and how they can you Why and when you should consider hiring a Patient Advocate Navigating the costs and benefits of patient advocacy services Building your retirement team with the “PIE framework” Exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of solo aging  And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  Greater National Advocates (GNA) National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC) #25 – Navigating Healthcare in Your Golden Years Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube Connect with Nancy Ruffner:  LinkedIn: Nancy Ruffner Website: Nancy Ruffner Facebook: Nancy Ruffner [email protected]  About Our Guest:  Nancy Ruffner is a Patient Advocate, consultant, and accomplished speaker with a deep commitment to helping others navigate healthcare and aging-related challenges. Through the founding of a patient advocacy agency in 2013 she expanded her career by serving clients and mentoring peers, earning recognition for her expertise and approachable style. Today, Nancy consults online in healthcare navigation, aging matters, and Solo Aging, while inspiring audiences across the U.S. with engaging talks that consistently deliver transformative AHA moments.

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating complex systems like Social Security. me as I unravel the pressing questions around Social Security reform, empowering women to take charge of their financial future. From the Social Security Fairness Act updates to the Widow’s Penalty, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help listeners achieve financial clarity and confidence in retirement. Tune in to learn about: The Social Security Fairness Act updates, including retroactive payments and accelerated timelines for increased benefits The impact of government pension offsets and spousal benefits, clarifying eligibility for survivor benefits Strategies to address challenges such as the Widow’s Penalty and potential tax implications for single filers The importance of timely applications for Social Security benefits to avoid missing retroactive payments initiatives, including the Women’s Retirement Success webinar series, aimed at educating women on financial planning topics And more! Resources: Visit SSA.gov: To check Social Security statements and eligibility Social Security Fairness Act Update Page SSA.gov Press Release on Retroactive Payments and Increased Benefits Women’s Retirement Success Webinar Series #40 – The Social Security Fairness Act #37 – Top 5 Questions on Social Security Survivor Benefits #32 – The Essentials of Social Security: An Insider’s Insights to Help You Plan with Confidence #24 – Understanding Spousal (and Ex-Spousal) Social Security Benefits #14 – Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube 

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially for women newly managing finances on their own. How can you build financial confidence, make informed Social Security decisions, and reduce taxes? What steps can help you create a stable future and enjoy retirement without financial stress? I was a guest on Senior to Seniors with Jim Mazziotti. In this episode, I share insights on retirement income strategies, tax-efficient planning, and the Simply Retirement Roap process. In this conversation with Jim, I talk about: My personal journey into financial planning and why I focus on helping women—especially those who are single, divorced, or widowed—prepare for retirement The key components of his Simply Retirement Roap and how it simplifies financial decision-making The importance of Social Security strategies, tax-efficient withdrawals, and retirement income planning How the recently ed Social Security Fairness Act benefits women, particularly widows and teachers Why many people delay financial planning due to fear, and how education and guidance can make retirement decisions easier And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  #6 – Why the Right Questions Can Save Your Retirement #40 – Social Security Fairness Act Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube  Connect with Jim Mazziotti:  Website: Jim Mazziotti Senior To Seniors Podcast Show LinkedIn: Jim Mazziotti About Jim Mazziotti:  Jim Mazziotti is a Realtor focusing in SENIOR REAL ESTATE with EXIT Realty Elite, located in Grapevine, Texas He is the former franchise owner/Realtor & principal managing broker, of Exit Realty located in Bend, Oregon. In his thirty-two years in the real estate business he and his team have closed more than 2000 residential and commercial real estate transactions, including residential, resort, senior and luxury properties. Jim has been recognized in the Top 1% in sales and listings and is the recipient of the ‘Esprit de Corps,’ one of EXIT Realty Corp Internationals most prestigious awards. Steve Morris, the founder and chairman of the board for EXIT Realty Corp International characterizes recipients of this award as “shining examples of what EXIT is all about and characterized by their community presence, professionalism and undaunted perseverance.” Jim holds a number of certifications and designations including the ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), SFR (Short Sales and Foreclosure Representative), MRP (Military Relocation Professional), SRES, (Senior Real Estate Specialist), REO Default Certified Professional, and is a Coach, Trainer & Speaker with the John C. Maxwell Organization, recognized as the top leadership organization in the world. Jim speaks and trains regularly across the United States and coaches real estate agents with his ‘Mazziotti Real Estate ability Coaching’ company. Jim Mazziotti is a published author of the book titled The Challenge: How 144 Letters Changed My Life, The Life Of My Son And Will Change Your Life Too,” and sits on the Board of Directors for the National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF) in Washington, D.C..

Living a fulfilling life as you age requires more than just financial preparation—it’s about embracing your values, fostering intergenerational connections, and planning with intention. In this eye-opening episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake sits down with Nancy Griffin, CEO of Glowing Older and host of the Glowing Older podcast, to challenge outdated … Read More Read More

Estate planning is crucial, especially for those remarrying later in life. What happens when life changes and your estate plan doesn’t?  Amy June, an estate planning attorney focused on helping clients navigate life events, s Eric Blake to share advice on navigating remarriage, blended families, and protecting your legacy. Learn strategies to ensure your loved … Read More Read More

Going through a divorce is challenging, but the right guidance can transform chaos into clarity. In this episode, Eric Blake sits down with Neil Palache, founder of The Divorce Transition Professionals and The Wealth Creator Company for Women. Neil shares his wisdom in helping women navigate pre- and post-divorce financial complexities. From building a professional … Read More Read More

The Social Security Fairness Act is a transformative law that eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), paving the way for millions—especially women in public-sector roles—to access long-overdue Social Security benefits. In this episode, Eric Blake explores the impact of these changes on retirement planning, addressing listener questions about eligibility, retroactive … Read More Read More

What makes a home truly special? We dive into this crucial question in our latest episode with Eric Blake and special guest Shalonda Waggoner.  Shalonda, the founder and president of LatterHouse Decor, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming domestic violence to helping others create dignified homes. Tune in to learn how Shalonda’s no-cost design ministry … Read More Read More

Do you know someone affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or are you seeking innovative ways to provide care and comfort?  In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake is ed by Mary Greer to delve into the power of dementia doll therapy through The Grand Baby Project.  This discussion highlights the comionate approach … Read More Read More

Social Security survivor benefits are a vital source of financial stability for many women, but how can you ensure you maximize these benefits when planning for retirement? In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake dives into the intricacies of Social Security survivor benefits and how they impact retirement planning.  Eric focuses on … Read More Read More

Widowhood often brings emotional and financial turmoil, leaving many unsure of where to turn.  Wings for Widows offers a lifeline to widows through personalized coaching and financial guidance. In this episode, Eric Blake, along with guest Chris Bentley, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, BFA®, CRPC®, Founder and CEO of Wings for Widows, dive into the importance of … Read More Read More

When it comes to planning for retirement, many overlook one of the biggest financial threats—long-term care costs. Most women assume that Medicare or health insurance will cover their needs, but the reality can be a costly surprise. In this episode of the Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake teams up once again with long-term care … Read More Read More