Money Sense

Tax planning plays a critical role in financial success. In this episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Sandra Geisler, Director of Tax Planning at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to explore how thoughtful tax decisions today can strengthen your retirement, reduce surprises, and help your money work smarter for you.

Karen and Sandra break down 2026 tax law changes, the importance of planning ahead, and the strategies retirees often overlook. They also share how to strategically manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), use Roth IRAs and tax‑efficient accounts to your advantage, and apply gifting rules to protect your estate and support the causes you care about.

Why does this matter? Because without proactive planning, you risk higher taxes and a less efficient path toward the legacy you hope to leave.

#TaxPlanning #TaxStrategy #RetirementPlanning #TaxAdvice #SocialSecurityPlanning #RMDPlanning #QCDs #2026TaxChanges #WealthManagement #MoneySensePodcast

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 for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
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 companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

If the mortgage process feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Wealth Advisor Kristina Schnuckel and Loan Officer Ben Revak join Money Sense to simplify rates, lenders, and the steps every buyer should understand before making an offer.

Together, they break down the key differences between purchases and refinances, why transparency from your lender matters, how rate locks actually work, and the questions every borrower should ask to avoid last‑minute stress at closing. Ben also shares his educational approach, the importance of selecting the right loan officer, and the biggest mistakes he sees homebuyers make, plus how to prevent them.

Connect with Ben Revak at [email protected] or provisor.com/team/ben-revak.

#MortgageEducation #HomebuyingTips #MortgageAdvice #MoneySensePodcast #EIG

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 for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: https://www.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 companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

In a market where nothing seems available, this episode breaks down how people are still finding the right home and the strategies that make it possible.

Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Shorewest Realtor Beth Jaworski for a conversation about today’s housing reality: tight inventory, a shortage of condos, and the wave of apartment development that’s reshaping options for buyers and downsizers alike. Beth explains what’s driving the shortage and why so many would‑be sellers feel “stuck,” then shares practical ways to create flexibility like using a home‑equity line of credit to buy first and sell second, staging for maximum return, and timing your move to reduce stress.

You’ll learn what buyers prioritize today, the simple updates that make the biggest difference, and the offer strategies that help you compete in a fast‑moving market. We also talk about building the right team, from decluttering support to contractors and lenders, and why preparation is the key to successful buying and selling in any season.

Connect with Beth Jaworski at [email protected] or visit bethjaworski.com for additional resources and listings.

#RealEstateTips #HousingMarket2026 #HomeBuyingAdvice #DownsizingJourney #WisconsinRealEstate #MoneySensePodcast #EIG #HomeSellingTips

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 for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
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 companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

In this episode, wealth advisor Jamie Williams is joined by Dick Schiller of Pavlic Investment Advisors for a clear look at the fixed income landscape in early 2026.

Together, they break down how today’s bond ladders are structured, what yields look like across one‑ to ten‑year maturities, and why reinvestment and interest‑rate risk feel different than they did just a few years ago. Jamie and Dick also highlight how the broader market backdrop supports the case for high‑quality bonds and how a thoughtful allocation can help protect five to six years of income needs.

They discuss:

Current yield ranges across one‑ to ten‑year investment‑grade corporate bonds

Why bond ladders help stabilize plans in a shifting rate environment

How reinvestment risk affects CDs and money markets

The difference between individual bonds and bond funds

How to evaluate quality when selecting fixed income holdings

How fixed income supports a balanced allocation as volatility returns

Register for our March 12th webinar on travel insurance here: bit.ly/4ccSKga

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 for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
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 companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

What if retirement felt more like a graduation rather than an ending? Host Karen Ellenbecker sits down with retirement transition expert Elizabeth Parsons to uncover why so many high achievers “fail” at traditional retirement and how to design a chapter filled with purpose.

In this episode, Elizabeth Parsons, author of "A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement", breaks down the emotional and identity shifts that often catch people off guard. She explains why financial readiness is only one piece of the puzzle and shares practical strategies for building community, redefining daily structure, and experimenting with new roles that keep life meaningful and energizing.

Karen Ellenbecker also reflects on her own journey, including her attempt at a traditional Florida retirement, the loss of structure that surprised her, and the joy she rediscovered through writing, philanthropy, travel, and staying intellectually active. Their conversation offers an honest look at what retirement can feel like behind the scenes and how to create a life that continues to grow, stretch, and inspire you.

To learn more, visit highachieverretirement.com, connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn by searching Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, or explore her book "A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement", available online and through major book retailers.

#RetirementRedefined #PurposefulLiving #ThrivingInRetirement #NextChapter #MoneySensePodcast #EIGWealth

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 for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
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 companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.