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  • Markets rarely move in straight lines and Q2 2026 was a powerful reminder of that.

    In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker is joined by long-time market voice Mike Roth and Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin to unpack a volatile yet resilient quarter.

    From geopolitical tensions and oil shocks to a remarkable market rebound, this conversation breaks down what really drove performance and what investors should pay attention to moving forward. The group explores the balance between strong economic fundamentals and headline-driven noise, and how both shaped investor sentiment.

    They also discuss inflation trends, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, the growing influence of AI, and how everyday investors can interpret what is happening through the lens of gas prices, rates, and portfolio decisions.

    01:28 Q2 Market Resilience Explained
    03:00 Geopolitics, Oil Shock & Market Reaction
    06:15 Why Markets Rebounded (AI, CapEx & Confidence)
    15:40 Strong Economy & Consumer Spending Trends
    28:24 Inflation, Fed Policy & Market Outlook
    35:30 Elections, Market Cycles & What Comes Next

    New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

    #MoneySense #MarketUpdate #Q22026 #InvestingInsights #EconomicOutlook #InflationTrends #InterestRates #AIandInvesting #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #InvestorEducation #StockMarket #LongTermInvesting

    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.

  • Insurance is something many people have, but not always something they revisit or fully understand.

    In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, sits down with Jody Leonhardt, Accounts Manager and Agent at American Advantage Insurance, to walk through the basics of property and casualty insurance in a clear and practical way.

    Together, they talk through how coverage works, how to think about protecting what you’ve built, and why regular check-ins matter as life evolves. From auto and homeowners insurance to umbrella policies, this conversation offers helpful perspective for making more informed decisions about your coverage.

    00:00 Why Understanding Your Coverage Matters
    02:05 Agent vs Broker and Finding the Right Fit
    05:10 Auto Insurance Basics and Coverage Limits
    09:15 Aligning Coverage with Your Assets
    12:40 Homeowners Insurance and Shared Risk
    17:55 Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value
    22:30 Everyday Liability Risks at Home
    27:40 Umbrella Insurance and How It Works

    New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

    #MoneySense #InsurancePlanning #FinancialEducation #WealthProtection #RiskManagement #PersonalFinance #HomeownersInsurance #AutoInsurance #UmbrellaPolicy #FinancialPlanning #LiabilityProtection

    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.

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  • College athletics is evolving fast. What used to center on scholarships and school pride now includes contracts, branding deals, and real income before athletes even step on campus.

    In this episode of Money Sense, Heather Deaton sits down with Chellee Siewert, Founder and President of Capture Sports Entertainment, to unpack what the pay-for-play (NIL) era means for athletes, families, and the future of college sports. From building a trusted team to navigating contracts, taxes, and personal branding, this conversation explores both the opportunities and the risks.

    They also zoom out to examine how NIL is reshaping team dynamics, recruiting, and the long-term landscape of college athletics.

    00:00 The Shift to Pay-for-Play in College Sports
    02:12 What NIL Really Means for Athletes Today
    04:05 Building the Right Team Around an Athlete
    06:45 Early Deals, Contracts, and Hidden Risks
    08:58 Schools Paying Athletes Directly Explained
    11:30 Athletes as Brands: Identity Beyond the Game
    15:00 Financial Planning and Managing Sudden Income
    18:10 Team Dynamics, Transfers, and Recruiting Changes
    22:05 What Comes Next: Rules, Risks, and the Future of NIL

    New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions.

    #MoneySense #CollegeAthletics #NIL #PayForPlay #StudentAthletes #FinancialEducation #WealthPlanning #SportsBusiness

    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.

  • “EIG Behind the Scenes” is a new Money Sense series designed to highlight the people and perspectives behind Ellenbecker Investment Group. In this first episode, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Brett Engelking, Director of Operations and Systems, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a boutique firm.

    Karen reflects on her more than 40 years in the industry and the intentional decisions behind building a firm grounded in personalized service, long-term relationships, and thoughtful growth. Brett shares how operations and systems work behind the scenes to bring that vision to life while adapting to an increasingly complex, fast-moving environment.

    They also discuss how technology supports, but never replaces, human connection, and explore what the rise of AI could mean for the future of the industry. 0:00 EIG Behind The Scenes Introduction

    1:50 How the Industry has Evolved Over 40 Years
    4:30 What Operations and Systems Actually Do
    7:30 From Manual Processes to Modern Technology
    11:30 What “Boutique” Really Means Today
    15:30 Relationships, Trust, and Legacy Planning
    21:30 Technology, AI, and Risk Awareness
    29:30 The Future of Advice and The Firm

    #MoneySensePodcast #EIGBehindTheScenes #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #ClientExperience #FinancialEducation #BoutiqueFirm #InvestingInsights #LegacyPlanning #AIinFinance #BehindTheScenes

    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 the hardest part of investing is not finding the right strategy but sticking with it?

    In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel sits down with fellow Wealth Advisor Nik Kibardin to explore how behavioral finance shapes the way we save, spend, and invest. From the classic marshmallow experiment to real world market cycles, they break down why delaying gratification can be one of the most powerful decisions an investor makes.

    They unpack market timing, the temptation to chase short term wins, and offer practical strategies to help investors stay grounded, disciplined, and focused on long term goals. You will also hear a compelling side by side example that shows how time in the market can matter more than timing the market.

    00:00 Why Behavioral Finance Matters
    02:15 The Marshmallow Test and What It Teaches Investors
    05:10 FOMO, Market Highs, and the Risk of Chasing Returns
    08:30 Why Market Downturns Feel So Much Worse
    11:40 The Power of Compound Growth with a Real Example
    16:20 Time Horizon, Risk, and Smarter Decision Making
    21:45 Why You Cannot Time the Market
    24:30 Building Habits, Diversification, and Staying Invested

    New episodes of Money Sense drop every Tuesday. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most.

    #MoneySense #BehavioralFinance #DelayedGratification #InvestingWisely #FinancialPlanning #LongTermInvesting #WealthBuilding #FinancialEducation

    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.

  • Making thoughtful financial decisions during divorce starts with understanding your options.

    In this episode of Money Sense, Julie Ellenbecker sits down with Susan Hansen, collaborative attorney and mediator at Hansen & Hildebrand, to walk through how to approach divorce thoughtfully from the very first steps through long-term financial impact.

    They emphasize the importance of education and choosing the right process for your situation. Susan outlines the different paths available including mediation, collaborative divorce, traditional litigation, and do-it-yourself approaches, along with the tradeoffs of each.

    Susan also highlights a major update in Wisconsin law that allows couples to finalize a divorce without appearing in court, offering a more streamlined and lower-stress option for many families.

    00:00 Divorce Planning and Financial Decisions
    01:20 Preparing for Divorce and Getting Organized
    04:30 Divorce Options
    12:30 No-Court Divorce and New Wisconsin Law
    19:45 Building Your Divorce Team
    24:00 Financial Planning During Divorce
    31:30 Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

    New episodes of Money Sense drop every Tuesday. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most.

    #MoneySense #DivorcePlanning #DivorceAdvice #WisconsinDivorce #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #GrayDivorce #Mediation #CollaborativeDivorce #FinancialWellness

    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 just $1 a day could set your child up for long-term wealth?

    In this episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Faith Reiter from the EIG Marketing Team, who is expecting her first child, to break down a simple but powerful strategy built on the time value of money.

    Together, they explore how small, consistent contributions, whether from parents, grandparents, or loved ones, can grow over a lifetime. From UTMA accounts to Roth IRAs, this episode walks through a step-by-step approach to turning early investing into generational wealth.

    They also discuss the realities of modern parenting costs, how to prioritize investing amid competing financial goals, and why starting early, even with a small amount, can make all the difference.

    00:00 Welcome & Why This Topic Matters
    02:05 The Cost of Raising a Child Today
    04:15 What $1 a Day Really Means
    06:20 UTMA Accounts Explained
    10:45 $365 vs. Lump Sum Strategy
    16:30 The Roth IRA Strategy
    19:50 From $1/Day to Millions

    New episodes of Money Sense drop every Tuesday. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most.

    #MoneySense #FinancialPlanning #GenerationalWealth #InvestingForKids #RothIRA #ParentingFinance #WealthBuilding #TimeInTheMarket

    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.

  • What does it mean to show up as a leader, especially in times of crisis, uncertainty, and burnout?

    In this special #AuthorSpotlight episode of Money Sense, we’re joined by Jen Marr, founder and CEO of Showing Up and author of Lifting Up. Through the “showing up” framework, Jen breaks supportive leadership down into clear, actionable behaviors leaders can apply in real time to reduce burnout, strengthen trust, and improve team connection.

    Jen shares her deeply personal journey, shaped by proximity to the Sandy Hook tragedy and the Boston Marathon bombing, and how those experiences sparked decades of research into human behavior, stress, and support. From the concept of the “awkward zone” to practical, repeatable micro-skills leaders can use right away, this conversation goes far beyond theory and into action.

    00:00 Why Showing Up Matters
    01:15 Jen Marr’s Story
    05:40 Stress, Disruption & the “Awkward Zone”
    10:40 The Showing Up Leadership Framework
    15:50 Practical Tools Leaders Can Use Today
    26:30 Steady Leadership, AI, & How to Connect with Jen

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Jen Marr is the founder and CEO of Showing Up and the author of “Lifting Up”. Through research, training, and real-world application, Jen helps leaders build supportive cultures that reduce burnout, increase trust, and strengthen human connection, especially during times of stress and uncertainty.
    Book: "Lifting Up" is available on Amazon and major book retailers.
    Website: showing-up.com
    Personal Site: jenmarr.com

    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.

  • How can portfolios pursue growth while managing volatility and generating reliable income?

    In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisor Jamie Williams sits down with Mary Brown, president and portfolio manager at Campbell Newman Asset Management, to explore why dividend growth investing continues to play a critical role in long‑term portfolio construction.

    Mary shares the history behind Campbell Newman and explains how dividend‑growing companies can signal financial strength, disciplined capital allocation, and management confidence, especially during volatile or uncertain markets. Together, they discuss how dividends contribute to total return, help dampen volatility, and fit into a broader active management strategy alongside diversification, quality, and risk control.

    Listen to Money Sense wherever you get your podcasts.

    #MoneySense #DividendGrowth #LongTermInvesting #ActiveManagement #PortfolioConstruction #MarketVolatility #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #StockMarketEducation

    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.

  • With Americans carrying over $1.27 trillion in credit card debt, understanding how credit actually works and how it impacts homeownership is more important than ever.

    In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel, wealth advisor and director of client experience at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Ben Revak, senior loan advisor at ProVisor Inc., for a practical conversation about credit scores, consumer debt and buying a home.

    They break down common myths around credit card debt, explain what truly affects a credit score, and discuss why having debt does not automatically disqualify someone from homeownership. The episode also explores the difference between good and bad debt, how to prepare financially before buying a home, and what buyers should consider when thinking about mortgage rates and timing the market.

    00:00 Why Credit Scores Matter
    01:40 Credit Card Debt & Homeownership Myths
    07:33 What Really Makes Up a Credit Score
    15:55 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt (Mortgages Explained)
    20:35 How to Prepare for Buying a Home
    30:15 Mortgage Rates, Timing the Market & What to Know Now

    New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most.

    #MoneySense #Homeownership #CreditScoreTips #DebtEducation #MortgageBasics #FinancialWellBeing #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning

    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.

  • How can generosity fit seamlessly into your financial plan and maximize tax efficiency?

    In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Heather Deaton explore how charitable giving can fit into a well‑rounded financial plan. They discuss how generosity can be both personal and strategic, while still supporting long‑term family and financial goals.

    The conversation is grounded in the Five T’s of Philanthropy: time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony. Using real examples, they highlight the many ways individuals and families can give back beyond writing a check.

    00:00 Why Philanthropy Is Core to the EIG Culture
    03:40 Defining Your “Why” in Charitable Giving
    07:30 The Five T’s of Philanthropy
    12:45 Volunteering & Real‑World Impact
    18:10 Securities, DAFs & Tax Efficiency
    28:50 QCDs, RMDs & Retirement‑Based Giving
    34:40 Legacy Giving, Estate Planning & Beneficiaries
    41:20 Final Takeaways

    #MoneySensePodcast #CharitableGiving #FinancialPlanning #Philanthropy #LegacyPlanning #TaxEfficientGiving #ValuesBasedPlanning

    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

  • How do you raise kids who feel confident making money decisions?

    In this episode, wealth advisors Kristina Schnuckel and Heather Deaton share how their own families have approached allowances, saving, and early financial decisions, alongside what they see working with clients and their kids.

    00:00 Raising Money-Confident Kids
    05:00 Allowances, Chores, and Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility
    09:15 Savings vs. Spending and Building Impulse Control
    13:00 Teaching Kids About Charitable Giving and Family Values
    14:10 Helping Kids Understand Money Through Cash Flow and Spending Awareness
    26:00 Savings, Investing, and Financial Accounts for Kids
    36:45 Launching Kids into Adulthood with Financial Confidence

    #MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning #MoneyLessonsForKids #KidsAndMoney #TeachingKidsAboutMoney #RaisingMoneyConfidentKids #FinancialParenting

    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.

  • Mortgage rates may be higher than what many homeowners and buyers have grown used to in recent years, but thoughtful planning can still open the door to smart opportunities.

    In this episode, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Tammy Niemann explore today’s mortgage landscape and how it fits into your overall financial plan, drawing on Tammy’s deep lending background and Jamie’s planning‑first perspective.

    Mortgage Lending Then vs. NowUnderstanding Today’s Interest Rate EnvironmentMortgage Options and Borrowing StrategiesCredit, Income, and Mortgage ApprovalSpecialized Lending: Second Homes, Construction, and RenovationsHome Equity Lines of CreditIntegrating Mortgage Decisions into Financial Planning

    #MoneySensePodcast #MortgagePlanning #FinancialPlanning #RealEstateStrategy #FiduciaryAdvice #WealthPlanning #Homeownership #InterestRates #SmarterBorrowing #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup

    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.

  • Early 2026 opened with optimism around AI, but rising oil prices and geopolitical tension quickly shifted sentiment. Mike Roth explains what changed, why rate cuts may be fewer than expected, and where volatility creates both risk and opportunity.

    00:00 Welcome to Money Sense
    02:04 Q1 2026 Market Overview
    06:34 Why AI Is Driving Market Volatility
    15:55 Iran, Oil Shocks & Global Market Impact
    21:03 The Fog of War: Headlines vs Reality
    23:32 Interest Rates & Fed Cuts in 2026
    24:46 AI Winners, Losers & Valuation Shifts
    29:39 Understanding Private Credit
    37:47 How Today’s Economy Affects Everyday Life

    #MarketOutlook #EconomicUpdate #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #Geopolitics #OilPrices #AIInvesting #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #PrivateCredit #MarketVolatility #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.

  • Take the mystery out of legacy planning, no matter your age or stage. Estate planning attorney Erick Fabyan breaks down the conversations, documents, and decisions families should consider before they matter.

    From wills and trusts to beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, family conversations, and end‑of‑life instructions, this episode offers a practical roadmap for beginning—or updating—your estate plan. Jamie and Eric also share real stories and clear examples that reveal why planning early matters, how to avoid common mistakes, and the small steps that provide major peace of mind.

    What We Cover:
    ✅ Why every adult needs basic estate planning documents
    ✅ The difference between wills and trusts (and why most families benefit from a trust)
    ✅ How beneficiary designations work—and the pitfalls to avoid
    ✅ Choosing powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions
    ✅ Keeping your documents current and aligned with your wishes
    ✅ Planning for funeral expenses and ensuring liquidity
    ✅ How to structure family conversations that prevent conflict
    ✅ Digital legacy planning (passwords, online accounts, phone access & more)

    Whether you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, this conversation will help you take the next right step with confidence.

    #EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #FinancialPlanning #EndOfLifePlanning #TrustsAndWills #BeneficiaryDesignations #PowersOfAttorney #FamilyFinances #FinancialWellbeing #MoneySensePodcast #EIG #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup #FinancialEducation

    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.

  • 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 bondsWhy bond ladders help stabilize plans in a shifting rate environmentHow reinvestment risk affects CDs and money marketsThe difference between individual bonds and bond fundsHow to evaluate quality when selecting fixed income holdingsHow 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.