The Simply Retirement Podcast

Welcome to The Simply Retirement Podcast with Eric Blake, a financial professional from Blake Wealth Management. Our goal is to support women approaching retirement and help them navigate the challenges of this important phase of life. With years of expertise, Eric and his guests provide insights and advice on retirement planning, specifically for widows, divorcees, or women that are simply ready to take control of their financial future.<br /> <br /> Our "Simply Retirement Roadmap Process" is a key part of our philosophy. Knowing "what's next?" can be overwhelming, so we've created a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your retirement planning journey. Starting with a 15-Minute Introductory phone call to get to know each other better, if together we feel it makes sense, we help you build your own Simply Retirement Roadmap and walk side by side with you down the path to financial freedom.<br /> <br /> So join us on The Simply Retirement Podcast and visit our website to learn more about our "Simply Retirement Roadmap Process." Let us help you create the retirement you've always dreamed of.

Social Security Claiming Strategies: Beyond the Breakeven Calculator (Ep. 74)

Deciding when to start Social Security is more than a math equation. It’s about balancing life expectancy, risk tolerance, and long-term income needs. In this episode, I explore the trade-offs of claiming early versus delaying for larger benefits. I explain how investing early benefits might change the picture, why survivor benefits matter, and how taxes … Read More Read More

10-15
29:44

Roth IRAs and Retirement: What You Need to Know (Ep. 73)

Roth IRAs can feel confusing—but when you understand how they work, they can become one of the most powerful tools in your retirement plan. In this episode, you’ll discover how Roth IRAs may give you more control over your taxes in retirement, create flexibility for future withdrawals, and help protect your income for the long … Read More Read More

10-08
39:48

Exit Planning for Business Owners: Preparing Financially, Personally, and for Legacy (Ep. 72)

Exiting a business is more than just a financial transaction. It’s a life transition that can affect family, legacy, and the future you envision. In this episode, I sit down with Renita Wolf, MBA, founder and CEO of Poe Wolf Partners, to discuss how business owners can thoughtfully plan for a smooth and meaningful exit. … Read More Read More

10-01
32:19

Can I Stop My Social Security Benefits If I Go Back to Work? A Listener Case Study (Ep. 71)

Retirement rarely unfolds exactly as planned, especially when unexpected life changes occur. In this episode, I share a real listener’s story involving Social Security, divorce, and the possibility of going back to work. I walk through step-by-step strategies to help women understand their Social Security options and prepare for future benefits. Key points: How to … Read More Read More

09-24
27:44

Planning Beyond Documents: Building Support as a Solo Senior with Kathy McNair (Ep. 70)

Too often, retirement planning focuses only on documents, but what happens when you don’t have the right people to rely on? In this episode, I sit down with elder law attorney and founder of Solo Allies, Kathy McNair, to talk about the unique needs of solo seniors and why legal paperwork alone isn’t enough. We … Read More Read More

09-17
31:50

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 3: Planning Your First Year with Clarity and Care (Ep. 69)

The first year after losing a spouse brings overwhelming emotions alongside important decisions. Knowing what needs immediate attention versus what can wait can make the difference between added stress and thoughtful progress. In Part 3 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share how to approach both urgent and long-term planning after the loss … Read More Read More

09-10
28:46

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 2: Financial & Legal Aspects (Ep. 68)

In Part 2 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share compassionate, practical advice for the critical first weeks after losing a spouse. I walk through the legal, financial, and everyday matters that can feel overwhelming, offering clear action steps to bring order during a difficult time. From meeting with an estate attorney and … Read More Read More

09-03
31:25

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 1: The First Week (Ep. 67)

Grieving the loss of a spouse is devastating. During that fog, there’s still paperwork, decisions, and urgent tasks demanding attention. In this episode, we open up a three-part series called “Life After Loss.”  I start by focusing on the first few days after losing a spouse, sharing essential steps to help with emotional healing and … Read More Read More

08-27
28:40

Understanding The Widow’s Penalty and What You Can Do About It (Ep. 66)

Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, but it can also trigger financial challenges that many women aren’t prepared for.  The Widow’s Penalty is real, and it can have long-term consequences on income, taxes, and retirement. In this episode, I walk through the Widow’s Penalty, what it is, why it disproportionately affects women, and what proactive steps … Read More Read More

08-20
40:19

How the New Tax Law Could Impact Your Retirement (Ep. 65)

Tax law changes might not sound exciting, but these updates could have a powerful impact on your retirement plans. In this episode, I unpack the top provisions from the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how they may affect retirees, especially women planning for long-term income. I break down tax deductions, clarify what’s changing … Read More Read More

08-13
35:00

Navigating Career Transitions for Women Over 55 with Kristi Cline (Ep. 64)

Changing careers or returning to the workforce after a long break can feel overwhelming. But what if the process could feel empowering instead? In this episode, I sit down with Kristi Cline, Founder & CEO of We Write It Now Resumes & Career Resources, to discuss how women approaching or in retirement can pivot their … Read More Read More

08-06
34:30

Social Security Planning After Divorce: Crucial Rules and Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 63)

Divorce is difficult enough without letting confusion over Social Security take a toll on your future income. In this episode, I explain the essential Social Security strategies every divorced woman should know, from the ten-year rule to remarriage traps. I highlight true stories of women who faced preventable financial setbacks and how proper planning could … Read More Read More

07-30
34:44

Gray Divorce and Retirement: How Collaborative Divorce May Protect Your Financial Future with Jill Lowe (Ep. 62)

Gray divorce can significantly impact your retirement plans and emotional well-being. How do you protect your financial future when love fades later in life? What pitfalls should you avoid to stay financially sound? In this episode, I sit down with Jill Lowe, Collaborative Divorce Attorney at J Lowe Law, LLC, to discuss the financial and … Read More Read More

07-23
31:36

The Science of Happier Spending: Behavioral Finance Insights with Brendan Frazier (Ep. 61)

What if money could buy happiness, but only if you knew how to spend it? In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, to uncover five practical, research-backed ways to feel more joy and purpose in your retirement spending. We talk about how aligning spending with values can … Read More Read More

07-16
45:13

Downsize or Rent in Retirement? 5 Key Decisions You Should Consider (Ep. 60)

What’s the right housing move in retirement?  Sell and rent, or stay put and downsize? In this episode, I unpack five key decisions that go far beyond dollars and cents, inspired by a real conversation with a client. Whether you’re widowed, single, or simply evaluating your next step, this breakdown helps you consider every angle, … Read More Read More

07-09
30:56

Navigating Retirement with Confidence and Clarity with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury (Ep. 59)

Money can feel like the last taboo, especially when it comes to retirement. But what if opening up could completely transform your future? In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Founder of KBK Wealth Connection and author of Breaking Money Silence®, to explore how our early beliefs about money affect our entire … Read More Read More

07-02
34:54

Caring for a Spouse: Navigating the Financial, Legal, and Emotional Journey with Sandy Moss Moder (Ep. 58)

What happens when love meets life-altering diagnosis and financial pressure?  For Sandy Moss Moder, it meant stepping into the unknown and documenting every step of the way. In this episode, I talk with Sandy about her raw and revealing story as a caregiver for her husband battling frontotemporal degeneration. She opens up about the emotional, … Read More Read More

06-25
33:00

7 Ways to Access Retirement Funds Early Without a Penalty (Ep. 57)

Accessing your retirement funds early doesn’t have to be a costly mistake. In this episode, I break down seven ways you may be able to withdraw from your retirement savings before age 59½ without facing that dreaded 10% early withdrawal penalty.  Whether you’re helping a family member, navigating a crisis, or just need more options, … Read More Read More

06-18
29:17

What Will You Do with Your 1,000 Hours a Year in Retirement? (Ep. 56)

Retirement is about more than finances. How will you spend your time? How do you transition from a life dictated by schedules to one filled with purpose and joy? What steps can you take now to prepare for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle? In this episode, I explore “The Rule of 1000 Hours” in retirement, explaining … Read More Read More

06-11
25:31

Empowering Financial Confidence for Women with Savvy Ladies (Ep. 55)

Financial empowerment transforms lives, especially when women have access to tailored resources and support. In this episode, I explore the incredible work of Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping women with financial knowledge and confidence. Alongside Judy Herbst, Executive Director, and Lisa Zeiderman, Board Chair, we discuss their mission, their groundbreaking helpline, and how … Read More Read More

06-04
33:14

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