Money Sense

Most seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, but many families aren't aware of the support and resources available to make that possible. In this episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer sits down with Sara Atwood, owner of Senior Helpers Lake Country, to discuss how in-home care services can help older adults maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life. Drawing from her experience in the military and her personal journey caring for her grandmother, Sara shares how families can recognize when additional support may be needed and what options exist before considering assisted living or memory care. From companionship and transportation to meal preparation, medication reminders, and caregiver support, this conversation explores how personalized in-home care can help seniors continue doing the things they love while providing peace of mind for family members. Whether you're planning for yourself, caring for a loved one, or simply exploring future options, this episode offers valuable insight into aging at home with dignity, independence, and support.

Episode Highlights 1:14 - From Army Service to Senior Care Sara shares how her 21-year military career and commitment to service ultimately led her to a new mission: helping seniors age with dignity and independence. 1:55 - The Story of "Cutie Judy" Sara reflects on her grandmother's journey through dementia, assisted living, and memory care, and explains why that experience inspired her passion for helping seniors remain at home whenever possible. 5:40 - What In-Home Care Really Looks Like Beyond housekeeping and errands, Sara explains how non-medical in-home care helps seniors maintain their routines, independence, and quality of life. 7:17 - Why Independence Matters So Much Losing the ability to drive doesn't have to mean losing connection, purpose, or community. Sara discusses how caregivers help seniors continue doing the things they love. 8:00 - Supporting Families From a Distance Learn how caregivers can accompany clients to appointments, provide medication reminders, and help families stay informed about a loved one's well-being. 9:05 - What Caregivers Can and Cannot Do Sara outlines the important distinction between non-medical care and medical services, including medication administration and specialized health procedures. 10:32 - Creating a Personalized Care Plan What happens during an in-home assessment, what warning signs families should watch for, and how Senior Helpers builds customized support plans. 12:14 - The Four Pillars of Aging Well Sara explains Senior Helpers' approach: focusing on mind, mobility, medications, and what matters most to each individual. 14:30 - Combating Isolation Through Companionship Sometimes the greatest need isn't physical assistance. Sara discusses the importance of social connection, friendship, and companionship as we age. 15:44 - Overnight Care and 24/7 Support Options Families may not realize that caregiving support can range from a few hours a week to around-the-clock assistance. 16:19 - Understanding Costs and Payment Options Sara breaks down typical hourly rates, discusses long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, and other resources that may help cover the cost of care. 19:49 - Flexible Services, No Long-Term Commitment How short-term recovery care, ongoing support, and flexible service agreements allow families to get the help they need when they need it. 21:20 - Getting Started With Senior Helpers Sara explains how families can connect, schedule an assessment, and determine whether in-home care is the right fit for their situation.

SENIOR HELPERS OF LAKE COUNTRY Senior Helpers of Lake Country provides personalized, non-medical in-home care services that help older adults maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Services include companionship, transportation, meal preparation, personal care support, medication reminders, and...

Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you're approaching age 65 and faced with decisions that could impact your healthcare and finances for years to come.

In this episode of Money Sense, Jean Range sits down with Medicare specialist Jim Larson of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency to break down the basics of Medicare and address some of the most common misconceptions people have when enrolling. From understanding Parts A, B, C, and D to comparing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, Jim shares practical insights from nearly two decades of helping retirees navigate their options.

Whether you're preparing to enroll in Medicare, still working past age 65, or helping a loved one evaluate their coverage, this conversation provides valuable guidance to help you make more informed decisions.

Episode Highlights

2:11 - Why Jim Chose to Specialize in Medicare
Jim shares how helping people understand complex insurance choices became his mission nearly 20 years ago.

10:24 - Medicare Open Enrollment Explained
Learn what happens during Medicare's annual Open Enrollment period and why reviewing your coverage every year matters.

12:01 - Who Qualifies for Medicare?
Understanding eligibility, Medicare before age 65, and what happens when you're still working past traditional retirement age.

17:20 - Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans
One of the most important decisions retirees face, and the pros and cons of each option.

23:18 - Common Mistakes People Make with Medicare Coverage
How plan networks, ZIP codes, and annual changes can impact your healthcare choices.

39:17 - Medicare Scams and Unwanted Phone Calls
Jim explains why Medicare won't call you and how to avoid costly enrollment mistakes.

41:10 - Understanding Prescription Drug Coverage
Why drug plans vary, how formularies work, and what to know about medication costs and coverage limits.

47:59 - The Question Everyone Should Ask
Jim shares the one question he wishes every Medicare enrollee would ask before selecting a plan: "Is this really enough coverage?"

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 their values, goals, and long-term vision for the future.

Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ellenbecker Investment Group. Before making financial, tax, retirement, or investment decisions, consult with qualified professionals familiar with your individual circumstances.

Retirement is often portrayed as the finish line after decades of work, but for many people, it's actually the beginning of an entirely new chapter. The challenge isn't simply having enough money to retire. It's knowing what you'll retire to.

This week on Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Jim Smith, a retired executive, mentor, craftsman, and lifelong learner, to discuss what retirement has truly looked like beyond the financial plan. Jim shares the unexpected realities of leaving a long career, adjusting to a new daily routine, finding purpose outside of work, and discovering the importance of relationships, community, and meaningful projects.

From mentoring young people and building woodworking projects to writing children's stories and embracing new technology, Jim's story is a powerful reminder that retirement doesn't have to be about slowing down. Instead, it can be an opportunity to learn, teach, create, give back, and invest your time in the things that matter most.

Episode Highlights

0:00 | The biggest surprises Jim experienced after retiring

1:05 | Why purpose, relationships, and meaningful work matter in retirement

3:10 | How priorities shift as we age and why "bucket list" thinking changes over time

4:15 | The importance of relationships, community, and avoiding isolation

5:40 | Strengthening your relationship with your spouse after retirement

10:24 | Mentoring young people and finding purpose by sharing skills and experience

12:05 | The value of effort, community impact, and giving back

13:42 | Retiring early and turning an unexpected transition into an opportunity

15:37 | Why retirement became a new beginning rather than an ending

17:14 | Embracing new opportunities, lifelong learning, and second careers

20:27 | How curiosity and technology continue to open new doors in retirement

22:12 | Navigating the emotional transition and grief that can accompany retirement

23:59 | Why retirees should think of retirement as a new career, not a slowdown

24:08 | Lessons from a 98-year-old artist: it's never too late to learn something new

27:35 | Investing your time wisely and creating a life filled with purpose

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 their values, goals, and long-term vision for the future.

Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ellenbecker Investment Group. Before making financial, tax, retirement, or investment decisions, consult with qualified professionals familiar with your individual circumstances.

The third quarter delivered no shortage of market-moving headlines. Rising energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty, persistent inflation concerns, evolving Federal Reserve policy, and continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence all influenced investor sentiment and market performance.

This week on Money Sense, Nik Kibardin, Wealth Services Advisor and Development Leader at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Mike Roth, Partner and Founder of Stark Investments. Together, they take a closer look at the major themes that shaped the third quarter, including the impact of oil prices on inflation, interest rates, consumer costs, and overall market performance.

The conversation also explores the growing influence of AI on corporate earnings and productivity, the concentration of market leadership among a small group of technology companies, and what investors should focus on as they head into the fourth quarter. Mike shares his perspective on navigating uncertainty and explains why discipline, diversification, and long-term thinking remain critical regardless of market conditions.

Episode Highlights

0:41 | The biggest market takeaway from the third quarter: oil remains a major market driver

4:27 | Why rising oil prices continue to influence inflation, interest rates, and investor expectations

8:40 | How higher energy costs are affecting consumers, businesses, and the broader economy

13:37 | What the Fed is watching and how interest rate policy could evolve in the months ahead

16:51 | Why investors should avoid building portfolios around specific market outcomes

17:32 | A look at third-quarter market performance, earnings growth, and continued AI-driven leadership

21:40 | Strong economic growth: positive for markets or a new inflation concern?

23:00 | The AI investment story, productivity gains, and what it means for long-term investors

28:58 | Key considerations for retirees and investors approaching retirement

29:14 | Why discipline, diversification, and a long-term perspective matter during uncertain markets

32:05 | The two factors Mike is watching most closely heading into the fourth quarter: oil and earnings

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 their values, goals, and long-term vision for the future.

Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ellenbecker Investment Group. Before making financial, tax, retirement, or investment decisions, consult with qualified professionals familiar with your individual circumstances.

Most people have an idea of when they'd like to retire, but life doesn't always follow the timeline we have in mind. Health concerns, job loss, workplace changes, burnout, or family caregiving responsibilities can all lead to retirement happening earlier than expected, making preparation for the unexpected an important part of retirement planning. This week on Money Sense, Nik Kibardin, CFP®, and Amy Bremmer, CFP®, Wealth Advisors at Ellenbecker Investment Group, discuss how to prepare for retirement on your own terms rather than being forced into it by circumstances beyond your control. They explore four common reasons people may leave the workforce earlier than planned and how today's retirement can look very different from previous generations.

The conversation also outlines seven steps that can help you prepare for greater flexibility in retirement, from creating a personalized financial plan and diversifying retirement income to developing a tax strategy, maintaining your employability, and planning for family responsibilities. Whether retirement is years away or quickly approaching, thoughtful preparation can help you navigate the unexpected with greater clarity and confidence.

Episode Highlights:

0:38 | Why retirement may happen earlier than expected

3:03 | Four common reasons people are forced into early retirement

6:25 | Workplace changes, burnout and career disruption

7:41 | How caregiving responsibilities can change retirement plans

9:41 | The changing face of retirement today

10:13 | “Light switch or dimmer?” Rethinking the transition into retirement

12:51 | Seven steps to help you retire on your own terms

13:15 | Building a personalized retirement plan

14:52 | Preparing financially for the unexpected

17:09 | Diversifying your sources of retirement income

17:44 | Creating a tax strategy for retirement

18:36 | Investing in your skills and future employability

20:33 | Planning for family and caregiving responsibilities

23:38 | Choosing the right financial professional

24:16 | Final thoughts on preparing for the retirement you want

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 their values, goals, and long-term vision for the future.

Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to specific products, services, legislation, or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group. Before making financial, tax, or estate planning decisions, consult with qualified professionals familiar with your individual circumstances.