Money Sense

Saving for retirement is one thing. Making the most of your workplace retirement plan is another.

This week on Money Sense, Jamie Williams, CFP®, Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Jean Range, Senior Wealth Advisor at EIG, for an in-depth discussion on how to maximize the value of a 401(k). From employer matching contributions and investment selection to Roth versus pre-tax contributions, they break down the key decisions that can significantly impact long-term retirement success.

Together, Jamie and Jean explore common mistakes employees make with their retirement plans, the importance of starting early, how to navigate market volatility, and why your 401(k) should be viewed as part of your overall financial picture. They also discuss retirement distribution strategies, beneficiary designations, and the role professional guidance can play throughout every stage of your retirement journey.

Episode Highlights:

0:26 | Introduction to 401(k)s and why understanding your retirement plan matters

2:08 | Defined contribution plans versus traditional pension plans and how retirement has evolved

3:10 | Why 401(k)s have become a cornerstone of retirement planning

3:46 | The power of starting early and maximizing your employer match

4:51 | Understanding vesting schedules and what happens to employer contributions when you change jobs

5:43 | Dollar-cost averaging and how consistent contributions can benefit long-term investors

7:15 | Common 401(k) mistakes, including pausing contributions and failing to review investments

7:45 | Auto-enrollment and how employers are helping employees save more effectively

8:53 | The time value of money and the significant advantage of starting young

10:24 | The "latte factor" and how small spending decisions can impact long-term savings

11:57 | Navigating investment options and avoiding common allocation mistakes

12:35 | Understanding target-date funds and how they work

14:39 | Market volatility, emotional investing, and the dangers of trying to time the market

16:27 | When target-date funds may be appropriate and when investors may benefit from more customized allocations

18:54 | Why contributing enough to your 401(k) should be a top financial priority

19:21 | Roth 401(k) versus traditional pre-tax contributions and how to evaluate the right fit

20:49 | How tax planning influences retirement savings decisions

22:01 | 2026 contribution limits, catch-up contributions, and new opportunities for older savers

23:55 | Viewing your 401(k) as part of your total investment portfolio

25:34 | How comprehensive financial planning goes beyond investment management

26:14 | The risks of remaining in stable value funds and being overly conservative

27:29 | The importance of diversification and managing portfolio risk

28:24 | Rebalancing strategies and how often you should review your 401(k)

29:18 | Aligning your investment allocation with your risk tolerance and retirement timeline

30:07 | What to do when your employer changes 401(k) providers

30:50 | A common misconception: your 401(k) provider is not selecting investments for you

32:29 | Additional retirement plan mistakes to avoid

32:51 | Transitioning from saving for retirement to spending in retirement

33:20...

In today’s digital world, shopping has never been easier. With targeted advertising, social media influencers, one-click purchasing, and endless sales promotions, it's easy to make purchases before we've had time to consider whether we truly need them. While these conveniences can save time and introduce us to useful products, they can also lead to overspending, clutter, financial stress, and unintended environmental consequences.

This week on Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, CFP®, Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Tammy Niemann, ChFC®, Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, for a conversation about "de-influencing" in a swipe-now culture. Together, they explore practical strategies for resisting impulse spending, discuss how consumer habits impact long-term financial goals, and examine the connections between overconsumption, mental well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Amy and Tammy share personal experiences, actionable techniques for becoming a more mindful consumer, and thought-provoking insights into how small spending decisions can affect everything from retirement preparedness to household clutter. They also discuss lessons from the Netflix documentary Buy Now and the growing movement toward intentional consumption.

Episode Highlights:

0:18 | Introduction to de-influencing and the impact of modern marketing on spending habits

2:12 | Determining whether a purchase is a true need or simply a want

3:21 | How implementing a 24- to 48-hour waiting period can reduce impulse buying

4:34 | Why unsubscribing from marketing emails can help limit unnecessary spending

6:19 | Using social media algorithms intentionally by following de-influencers and minimalist creators

7:57 | "Breaking up with your phone" and reducing mindless scrolling that leads to spending

9:44 | How spending habits affect long-term financial goals and retirement readiness

11:00 | Why understanding your spending is one of the most important parts of financial planning

13:12 | The relationship between consumerism, clutter, and mental health

15:25 | Five practical rules for becoming a more mindful consumer

16:22 | Calculating purchases in "life energy" by measuring them in hours worked rather than dollars spent

17:52 | Asking whether a purchase will simplify or complicate your life

18:00 | The dangers of buying for an aspirational lifestyle instead of your current reality

18:45 | The sunk-cost mindset and why people struggle to part with unused purchases

19:16 | Exploring the environmental effects of overconsumption

20:13 | Surprising statistics about plastic recycling and the concept of greenwashing

21:35 | Fast fashion, textile waste, and the unintended consequences of clothing donations

24:04 | The growing popularity of thrifting and secondhand shopping among younger generations

25:20 | Electronic waste, recycling challenges, and what happens to discarded technology

26:12 | Defining what "enough" means and aligning spending with personal values

26:40 | Final thoughts on mindful consumption, financial well-being, and intentional living

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP

Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management services for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations. EIG's planning...

Building a successful business takes more than passion and determination. Long-term growth requires financial clarity, strategic decision-making, and the ability to balance profitability with sustainability. For entrepreneurs, understanding key financial metrics, building the right support team, and protecting their own well-being are all essential components of lasting success.

This week on Money Sense, Heather Deaton, Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, welcomes Cheryl McMurtry, Founder and President of McMurtry Financial Services. Drawing on her experience helping small businesses and nonprofit organizations strengthen their financial foundations, Cheryl shares practical insights on the habits, strategies, and financial disciplines that help businesses thrive beyond the critical first few years.

The conversation explores the importance of knowing your numbers, understanding cash flow, budgeting for growth, maintaining profitability, and building the right team of professional partners. Heather and Cheryl also discuss pricing strategies, business sustainability, succession planning, delegation, and the often-overlooked connection between entrepreneurial success and personal well-being.

Episode Highlights:

1:31 | Cheryl shares her background and the mission behind McMurtry Financial Services
2:52 | Why most businesses fail within the first three to five years and the role financial health plays in long-term success
4:46 | The importance of knowing your numbers and running a business with financial clarity
6:27 | Understanding your break-even point and why every business owner should know it
7:28 | Profit margins, pricing strategies, and avoiding the trap of underselling your value
9:18 | Managing cash flow and understanding how money moves through a business
10:13 | Identifying seasonal trends and using historical data to make better business decisions
13:19 | How often business owners should review financial data and meet with trusted advisors
14:35 | Why waiting until tax season is often too late to make meaningful financial improvements
15:40 | Building reserves, emergency funds, and financial safeguards for businesses
16:54 | The value of lines of credit and planning for unexpected challenges
19:10 | Becoming an expert in your industry while relying on specialists for financial guidance
19:42 | Why budgeting serves as the roadmap for sustainable business growth
24:13 | Understanding your unique value proposition and pricing it appropriately
27:42 | The importance of managing expenses and evaluating the true cost of doing business
29:17 | Building a team of professional partners, from marketing specialists to HR experts
30:13 | Knowing where your time creates the most value and learning when to delegate
31:52 | Succession planning and developing future leaders within your organization
33:41 | Common financial pitfalls that prevent businesses from reaching long-term profitability
34:14 | Cheryl's “You Are Here” financial map analogy and why accurate bookkeeping matters
36:14 | Remaining compliant with taxes, regulations, and reporting requirements
38:12 | Protecting your well-being as a business owner and avoiding burnout
40:22 | Moving from the hustle mindset to building a scalable business with systems and processes
42:11 | Setting boundaries, defining your ideal clients, and learning to say no strategically
43:4...

Travel is often one of the most rewarding goals people build into their financial plans. Whether it's exploring a bucket-list destination, creating lasting memories with children and grandchildren, or immersing yourself in a new culture, travel has the power to enrich life in ways few other experiences can. But today's travel landscape requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and expert guidance to make the most of every adventure.

This week on Money Sense, Jamie Williams, CFP®, Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, welcomes travel experts Bob Winter and Jim Wilde of Lake Country Travel and Entourage Expeditions. Drawing on decades of industry experience and personal travel to more than 110 countries, Bob and Jim share insights into today's biggest travel trends, how travelers can maximize value, and what retirees and families should consider when planning meaningful experiences around the world.

The conversation explores everything from river cruising, small-group travel, and cultural immersion experiences to multi-generational travel, travel insurance, budgeting, passport requirements, and destination planning. Bob and Jim also discuss common travel mistakes, how to accommodate varying mobility levels, why flexibility remains essential, and how thoughtful travel planning can create unforgettable experiences for families and retirees alike.

Episode Highlights:

1:31 | Bob and Jim share their backgrounds, travel experience, and how Lake Country Travel and Entourage Expeditions were founded
3:22 | Adventures in Antarctica and why expedition travel continues to grow in popularity
4:29 | Major travel trends including river cruising, small-group experiences, and cultural immersion travel
6:52 | How first-time travelers can determine whether guided tours or custom itineraries are right for them
8:36 | Accommodating mobility concerns and selecting travel options that match individual comfort levels
10:18 | Bucket-list destinations, the Seven Continents Club, and experiencing places before they change forever
11:52 | Multi-generational travel as a legacy planning strategy that creates lifelong family memories
13:37 | Why major trips should often be planned 18 to 24 months in advance
15:03 | The importance of flexibility, contingency planning, and adapting during travel
16:31 | Incorporating meaningful travel goals into a comprehensive financial plan
17:05 | What's driving higher travel costs and how travelers should prepare for sticker shock
18:45 | Three practical ways to maximize travel value, including early booking discounts, cash savings opportunities, and travel rewards programs
20:48 | Why people should prioritize meaningful travel experiences before retirement whenever possible
22:19 | Common travel mistakes, over-planning itineraries, and avoiding travel burnout
23:21 | Passport renewal requirements and important documentation considerations for international travel
24:47 | REAL ID, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and strategies to simplify the travel experience
26:01 | Travel insurance essentials, including trip cancellation, medical coverage, delays, and baggage protection
29:19 | Where spending a little more can significantly improve your travel experience
31:06 | Memorable bucket-list destinations including Antarctica, Alaska, and the Canadian Rockies
32:43 | How travel creates friendships, community, and lifelong connections among fellow travelers
33:19 | A unique Morocco expedition built around experiencing a nearly total solar eclipse
34:14 | Final travel advice for retirees: prioritize energy, interests, and richer experiences over checking destinations off a list
35:00 | Great starter travel options for new international travelers, including river cruises and rail journeys
36:24 | How to learn more about Lake Country Travel an...

Retirement is one of life's biggest transitions, and while financial preparation is essential, the emotional, social, and practical realities of retirement are just as important. From finding purpose and maintaining relationships to navigating health care costs and changing travel plans, retirement often looks different than people expect.

This week on Money Sense, Jean Range, Senior Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, welcomes former Ellenbecker advisor Diane Byrne for an honest conversation about retirement. Drawing on her decades of experience helping clients prepare for retirement, along with her own six years of retirement experience, Diane shares what surprised her most, what she planned well, and what lessons she learned along the way.

The conversation explores everything from practicing for retirement before leaving the workforce and maintaining your sense of identity, to planning for health care expenses, staying active, managing taxes, and creating a lifestyle filled with purpose and meaningful connections. Jean and Diane also discuss aging in place, retirement travel, spending habits after leaving work, and what truly defines a successful retirement.

Episode Highlights:

1:18 | Why retirement can feel intimidating and why so many people fear the transition
2:45 | Diane's approach to retirement planning and "practicing" retirement before leaving work
4:20 | Finding purpose, community, and activities that fill your cup in retirement
4:41 | Navigating identity and staying connected after leaving your career behind
6:13 | Unexpected retirement surprises, including retiring during COVID
7:15 | Designing a forever home and planning to age in place
8:22 | Health challenges that changed retirement expectations
10:16 | Retiring to something, not from something: finding purpose in retirement
11:00 | Pursuing hobbies, friendships, and passions with newfound freedom
11:49 | How learning the ukulele created community, volunteer opportunities, and lifelong friendships
13:23 | The mission and impact of the Ellenbecker Charitable Foundation
14:19 | Travel expectations versus retirement realities
15:03 | How health and changing interests can reshape retirement travel plans
16:43 | Solo travel options and finding communities that share your interests
17:46 | Buyer beware: the retirement expenses people often underestimate
18:20 | The true cost of health care in retirement and Medicare considerations
19:28 | Why taxes matter more in retirement than many people expect
20:27 | Tax planning strategies and managing retirement income sources
21:44 | The importance of staying physically and mentally active in retirement
22:42 | Preparing for retirement several years before you leave the workforce
22:48 | Why major purchases may be easier to make before retiring
23:44 | Creating dedicated savings for meaningful goals and special experiences
24:43 | Knowing when you're truly ready to retire
25:25 | Diane's definition of a successful retirement and the freedom of having choices

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management services for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations. EIG's planning-first approach helps clients align their financial decisions with th...