Money Unscripted

How and where do you want to live in retirement? What if you have a major health incident? And who will help you if you can’t manage your own finances as you age? These are hard questions, but the answers can impact generations of your family. That’s why Dr. Tim Habbershon, head of Fidelity’s Center for Family Engagement, says we need to stop avoiding the conversations and start talking about generational wealth and planning together. Tim joins Ally to share ways we can build the skills to have better conversations about everything from long-term care to passing down wealth to our heirs. Watch Money Unscripted now. Fidelity Center for Family Engagement: https://fcfe.fidelity.com/family/home Leading indicators of enduring family harmony: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/five-indicators-of-family-harmony View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted. New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com. Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted! © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

Someone turning 65 today has an almost 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services, according to government data. Whether it's because of an injury, an illness, or simply growing older, that care is expensive. Long-term care insurance is a smart strategy to help protect your finances and your family. So, what is long-term care insurance? How much does it cost? And what does it cover? Get the answers you need on this episode of Fidelity’s personal finance podcast Money Unscripted with host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Stefne Lynch. Learn more about the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/ or call their 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900.  Hybrid life insurance with long-term care: https://www.fidelity.com/life-insurance/long-term-care/overview  How long-term care planning can help your loved ones: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/long-term-care-planning    View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.   New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.   Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.   Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.  

The markets go up and down. That’s out of your control. But what can you control in times of uncertainty? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Certified Financial Planner Ryan Viktorin help you take a big-picture look at your finances during market volatility. Are you still on track to meet your goals like saving for retirement? Does your financial plan still make sense? Should you stay the course with your investments or make adjustments? Watch now.  Market volatility overview: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/market-and-economic-insights/market-volatility-overview 6 tips to navigate volatile markets: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/investing-ideas/six-tips  View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

Maybe you want to buy a home. Or take a dream vacation. But what is your cash doing to help you reach those goals? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Leanna Devinney look at four short-term options: high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, CDs, and treasury bills. Learn how to define your goals, weigh risk and reward, and use these tools to help you get the most out of your money. Watch now. Investing for short-term goals: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/investing-for-short-term-goals  CD vs. high-yield savings account: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/cd-vs-high-yield-savings  View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.   New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.   Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.   Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.   

If you’re close to turning 65, Medicare is likely on the horizon. The enrollment process can feel overwhelming but making sure you have the right health care coverage is so important. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Ryann Little help you prepare for this critical piece of retirement planning. Learn the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B, see how to avoid costly mistakes, and get smart tips on navigating the complexities of coverage. Watch now.  Learn about Medicare: https://medicare.fidelity.com/home?ccsource=MU_podcast_audio  Your guide to working past 65: https://medicare.fidelity.com/learning-center/articles/guide-to-working-past-65/  View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.   New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.   Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.   Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

Baby boomers are set to pass on trillions of dollars to the next generations in the coming years. Much of it is expected to go to women. On this episode of Money Unscripted, Ally sits down with Alex Roca, the new host of Fidelity’s Women Talk Money show to answer women’s two biggest questions: Is it too late to get started and where should I put my next dollar? Hint: It’s never too late. From starting where you are to defining your priorities to keeping your saving and investing consistent, Alex has the tips you can use to focus on the big picture and make your money work as hard as you do.  Planning for women’s health costs: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/women-talk-money/planning-womens-health Fidelity Women Talk Money: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/women-talk-money/event-replays    View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.   New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.   Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.   Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

Student loans. Car loans. Mortgages. Credit cards. There are a lot of ways debt can pile up. Fast. On this episode of Money Unscripted, we talk with Sheyna, who shares how she got control of her finances and paid off $45,000 of debt. Host Ally Donnelly also sits down with Fidelity Financial Consultant Mark Greenfield to learn strategies we can all use to help pay down debt, curb spending, and set ourselves up for the future. Budget & Debt Calculators: https://www.fidelity.com/calculators-tools/budgeting-debt-management   How I paid off over $40,000 in debt: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/how-I-paid-off-debt    View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.   

Does your company offer an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)? If so, it could be a way to save for a new house, your child’s education, or build your retirement nest egg—all while investing in your company. Money Unscripted host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity pro Emily Cervino walk through the potential advantages, crunch the numbers, and break down the tax implications behind this often-overlooked workplace benefit. Watch now. Invest in your work and your future with an ESPP: https://www.fidelity.com/go/stock-plan-services/employee-stock-purchase-plans 6 employee stock plan mistakes to avoid: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/stock-plan-mistakes-to-avoid View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted. New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com. Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted! © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

Estate planning is a process that’s full of emotions. And full of questions. Where do you start? Who should be part of the conversation? And what are the key documents you need? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Pamela Pirone-Benson break down everything from writing a will and setting up a trust to choosing your power of attorney and navigating estate taxes. Watch now. 5 steps to create an estate plan: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/wealth-management/estate-planning-made-easy 10 Estate planning pitfalls to avoid: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/wealth-management/estate-planning-common-pitfalls View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted. New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com. Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted! © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

So, you’re investing in your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. Awesome. But maybe you're ready for more. That's how Irene Li, owner of Mei Mei Dumplings, was feeling. She has a brokerage account but wants to learn more so she can invest with confidence. On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Leanna Devinney walk us through the flexibility and potential benefits of a brokerage account. They explain how asset allocation, diversification, and tax-smart strategies can help you try and grow your money and reach your goals.  Investing beyond your 401(k): https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/taxable-brokerage-account 6 ways busy people can help build their wealth: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/how-to-build-wealth View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

How can you save and invest to live the life you want now and in the future? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Gina Gillespie look at ways to leverage your investments while maximizing your saving. From setting clear goals and spending intentionally to leaning into tax-advantaged accounts and automating your savings, they cover key steps to help you become a super saver. 4 keys to an effective, dynamic savings strategy: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/four-keys-dynamic-spending-strategy Is financial independence possible? https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/financial-independence-retire-early-FIRE View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

You earn money. But how can you build wealth? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity Financial Consultant Dani Braun, talk through ways to create your own financial blueprint. From defining your goals and establishing emergency savings to building a portfolio and leveraging tax-smart investing strategies, see how you can draft a solid plan. 4 keys to an effective, dynamic savings strategy: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/four-keys-dynamic-spending-strategy  5 small steps that can make a big impact: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/money-management  View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.   

College: It’s the number one savings priority for parents, according to the Fidelity 2024 College Savings Indicator Study. Yet, families are only on track to cover 30% of the expected costs.   It’s why, on this episode of the Money Unscripted podcast, we’re taking a deep dive into 529 plans. How do these flexible, tax-advantaged accounts work? Who can contribute? What kind of expenses do they cover? And what happens if your child doesn’t go to college? Join host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Cory Latham as they hit the books to help you try and ace your college savings plan. Watch now.  College savings calculator: https://www.fidelity.com/misc/college-savings/college_savings.html Check out Fidelity’s hub for all things college planning: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/life-events/prepare-for-college View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted. New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com. Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted! © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

Retirement looks different for everyone. Maybe you want to grab your passport and see everything. Maybe you want to grab a beach chair and do nothing. Whatever your goals, there are key questions to ask yourself before you take the leap. Who are you planning for? What do you want your retirement to look like? And are you on track to meet your goals? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Andy Alvarez get to the heart of planning your retirement income, setting a realistic budget, and strategies to help you make your savings last. Watch now.  Retirement strategies for every age: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement-strategies  Preparing for and living in retirement: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/planning-your-retirement  View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted?ccsource=p_PodDir_031125.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

This year, you can save more in your 401(k) than ever before. Contribution limits are up–and there’s a new super catch-up contribution for older workers. Watch this episode of the Money Unscripted podcast as host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Kirsten Hunter Peterson share a rundown of the numbers, the facts about employer matches, and strategies to try and super charge your savings. Watch now. How much should I contribute to my 401(k)? https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/how-much-should-i-contribute-to-my-401k Investing beyond your 401(k): https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/taxable-brokerage-account View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com. Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted! © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

Did you make too much money to contribute to a Roth IRA last year? Good news: There are new income limits in 2025 that could allow you to contribute more. So, what are the new limits? How much can you contribute? What are the potential tax benefits of a Roth? And how do your savings stack up against other people your age? For strategies to help you boost your retirement savings, watch this episode of Money Unscripted with host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Rita Assaf. How much should I contribute to my 401(k)? https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/how-much-should-i-contribute-to-my-401k Investing beyond your 401(k): https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/taxable-brokerage-account View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com. Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted! © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

To help you start the new year strong, check out our year-end financial checklist. Join Money Unscripted host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Leanna Devinney to see how to make the most of your 401(k), how to stay on top of HSA contribution limits and deadlines, and how to master strategies like tax-loss harvesting. 6 year-end deadlines to know: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/year-end-money-deadlines5 tax moves to consider before year-end: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/yearend-tax-planning-2023 What is an HSA and how does it work? https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted/hsaRoth IRAs -- What to know: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted/roth-IRA View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted   Have a comment or episode idea? Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2024 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

Maybe your car breaks down or an unexpected medical bill pops up. You need money and don’t have enough in the bank. What if you borrowed the cash from your 401(k)? On this episode of Fidelity’s Money Unscripted, join host Ally Donnelly for a deep dive on 401(k) loans. We look at how they work, how much you can borrow and what to consider before tapping your retirement savings.  Thinking about a 401(k) loan? https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/financial-basics/taking-money-from-401k?ccsource=401kLoan_pod  How to save for emergencies: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/save-for-an-emergency?ccsource=401kLoan_pod  View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2024 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 

The Bakers had just sent their daughter off to college when they got terrible news. She had been hurt in an accident and was in a coma. Because Baylie was a legal adult and didn’t have a health care proxy, her parents could not make medical decisions on her behalf. On this episode of Money Unscripted from Fidelity Investments, learn why this document is so important for any unmarried, adult child. Ally Donnelly talks with Fidelity's David Peterson to understand what a health care proxy is, how to get one, and the important conversations you need to have to help protect your family.  For more info on health care proxies, check out:  https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/health-care-proxies    Learn more about the Baker Family’s mission at: www.baylieswish.org.  Watch all Money Unscripted episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted?ccsource=HCProxy_pod.  New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays.  Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com.  Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted!   © 2024 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

A career change can be exciting. And a little daunting. Whether you’re 25 or 55, there are important things you can do to try and make the most out of the financial end of the equation. On this episode of Fidelity’s Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity pro Meredith Stoddard cover it all—from salaries and benefits to stock options and rolling over your old 401(k).  Check out Fidelity’s career planning resources: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/life-events/career-planning?ccsource=pod_092424  See what you can do with your old 401(k): https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/what-to-do-with-an-old-401k?ccsource=pod_092424  View all episodes here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/money-unscripted?ccsource=CareerChange_pod New episodes drop bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Have a comment or episode idea? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at moneyunscripted@fidelity.com. Be sure to follow, like, and share Money Unscripted! ©2024 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.