When love blooms later in life, so do important money questions. In this episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth and Neela discuss the financial realities of dating, cohabiting, and marrying after 40.

Inspired by the idea of the "Golden Bachelorette," they explore how second (or third) chapters can bring new challenges and new opportunities for building strong financial foundations. From prenups and estate plans to blending families, tune in for thoughtful insights and real-world examples you might use to open your heart while also protecting your finances.

Whether you’re entering a new relationship, planning a second marriage, or supporting a parent stepping into a new chapter, this episode offers practical strategies to help navigate the intersection of love and money with confidence and clarity.

For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Why traditional financial “rules” don’t always apply later in life.
• How to protect your financial independence while building a relationship.
• The importance of prenups, estate planning, and updated beneficiaries.
• Managing money when blending families and raising kids from previous relationships.
• How to have clear, empowering conversations about money, love, and boundaries.
• How assembling a strong team (CPA, financial planner, attorney) can help.

Resources:

• The Big Shift: For Older Women With Money, It’s “Yes” to Love and “I Don’t” to Marriage – The Washington Post | January 16, 2024 https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/16/women-separate-money-love-second-marriages/

• More couples are divorcing after age 50 than ever before. Psychologists are helping them navigate the big changes – American Psychological Association | November 1, 2023 https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/11/navigating-late-in-life-divorce

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to the If Money Were Easy newsletter
• Subscribe to If Money Were Easy on YouTube
• Follow Mary Beth on Instagram and LinkedIn
• Follow Neela on Instagram and LinkedIn
• Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and on LinkedIn

When it comes to financial planning, insurance is an important piece of the puzzle. In this episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth and Neela are joined by Mark Maurer, CFP®, President and CEO of Low Load Insurance Services (LLIS), to break down the complexities of disability and life insurance and shed light on what to consider when deciding what plan might be appropriate for you.

They discuss why so many people tend to avoid thinking about insurance, the psychological barriers that can keep people from planning ahead, the potential differences between group and individual insurance policies, and what to consider if you’re self-employed, and more.

With decades of experience in the insurance industry, Mark’s insights offer clarity and professional perspectives that can help you make informed decisions around your own insurance needs. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of the insurance landscape, and actionable tips.

For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Why insurance is essential, even when you hope to never use it
• The differences between group and individual disability policies
• How to identify coverage gaps—especially for high earners and entrepreneurs
• The pros and cons of term vs. permanent life insurance
• What “laddering” your life insurance means—and how it can save you money
• When whole life insurance might actually make sense

Resources Mentioned on the Show:

• Mark’s company: Low Load Insurance Services https://llis.com/

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to the If Money Were Easy newsletter
• Subscribe to If Money Were Easy on YouTube
• Follow Mary Beth on Instagram and LinkedIn
• Follow Neela on Instagram and LinkedIn
• Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and on LinkedIn

Selecting a financial advisor can be a process, especially given the wide range of titles, credentials, and compensation models in the industry. In this episode, co-hosts and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Mary Beth Storjohann and Neela Hummel outline the factors to consider when choosing an advisor who aligns with your financial goals and values.

They explore the distinctions between various advisor designations, with a focus on the importance of working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. They also cover the concept of fiduciary responsibility—why it matters, and how to assess if your advisor is acting in your best interest.

Additionally, Mary Beth and Neela discuss the different ways financial advisors are compensated, including commission-based, fee-only, and hybrid models, and how those structures can influence the advice you may receive.

Whether you're beginning your search or reevaluating an existing relationship, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you make well-informed decisions for your financial life today, and into the future.

For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The distinctions between various financial advisor titles and the significance of the CFP® designation.
• The importance of choosing an advisor who is a fiduciary who prioritizes your financial well-being.
• Different advisor compensation models like commission-based and fee-only, and their implications on advisory services.
• The questions to ask during your first meeting with a potential advisor.

Resources Mentioned on the Show:

• How to Choose a Financial Advisor – Abacus Wealth Partners https://abacuswealth.com/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor/
• What It Means to Work with a Fee-Only, CFP® Professional Financial Advisor - Abacus Wealth Partners https://abacuswealth.com/why-you-should-work-with-a-cfp-fee-only-fiduciary-financial-advisor/
• The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA): https://www.napfa.org/

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to the If Money Were Easy newsletter
• Subscribe to If Money Were Easy on YouTube
• Connect with Mary Beth on Instagram and on LinkedIn
• Connect with Neela on Instagram and LinkedIn
• Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram and on LinkedIn