When a natural disaster strikes, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming, especially if you're unprepared. In this episode, Mary Beth and Neela are joined by Abacus financial advisor Susan Olson, CFP®, who shares practical steps you can take to safeguard your finances.

Drawing from her experience working with clients impacted by wildfires, Susan breaks down what you can do before disaster hits, from reviewing your insurance coverage and documenting your belongings, to building an emergency fund and creating an evacuation plan.

If you’ve been meaning to prepare but don’t know where to begin, this episode can give you the tools and motivation to start.

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:

• Things to consider when reviewing and updating your insurance coverage
• The importance of building a household emergency fund
• Suggestions for creating evacuation plans (yes, even for pets and children's toys!)
• Tips for digitizing your documents and organizing your accounts
• How you can involve your kids and greater community in preparedness efforts
• The power of the “do just one thing” approach to getting started

Resources Mentioned:

• Ready.gov disaster preparedness information and downloadable Emergency Supply Checklists
• Abacus Pro-Bono Financial Planning Services
• My Financial Life in a Binder PDF

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

Why doesn’t having money necessarily feel good? In this episode, Mary Beth and Neela explore the complex emotions tied to wealth—whether it's guilt over having more, shame around not having enough, or discomfort with financial privilege. They unpack how money can affect identity, belonging, and relationships, and share tools to help you reframe your money story, build financial confidence, and align your wealth with your values.

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:

• How to understand the two sides of wealth shame: having too much vs. not enough
• How comparison, identity, and belonging may fuel financial discomfort
• The emotional and psychological effects of inherited wealth
• How to develop financial confidence and reframe your money story
• How to find purpose and impact through intentional money choices

Resources Mentioned:

• People With Parents With Money: 14 Adults Come Clean About the Down Payments, Allowances, and Tuition Payments That Make Their New York Lives Feasible – New York Magazine’s Intelligencer | February 10, 2025 https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/parents-money-family-wealth-stories.html
• Brené Brown is known for her work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership.

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

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

What happens to your money when interest rates go up or down?

Join Mary Beth and Neela as they dive into the complex world of interest rates and the different ways they can impact your finances – from mortgages and savings accounts, to credit cards and business loans. They explore how the Federal Reserve's adjustments influence both the economy and individual financial decisions, and offer some historical context – such as the period following the 2008 financial crisis – to highlight how those lessons can still apply today.

Tune in for practical advice on how to navigate a changing interest rate environment, whether you're planning to buy a home, looking to refinance, or simply trying to manage your finances more effectively.

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 interest rates matter, and why you should care about them.
• The effects interest rate fluctuations can have on saving, borrowing, and business.
• How different types of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, are impacted by interest rate changes.
• Strategic considerations for homebuyers and business owners.

Resources Mentioned on the Show:

• A Timeline of the Fed's '22–'23 Rate Hikes & What Caused Them – TheStreet.com | April 12, 2024
• How the Federal Reserve Affects Mortgage Rates – Nerdwallet.com | March 19, 2025
• What’s the Average Car Payment Per Month? – Nerdwallet.com | March 7, 2025

Stay Connected:

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

If Money Were Easy is back! Season 3 begins on March 19th, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Not only can you expect more of the honest money (and life) discussions we can’t get enough of, but Season 3 has a new look and will be posted as video episodes on YouTube if you want some visuals with your finance banter.

Make sure you're following the show wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss any updates. And don’t forget to sign up for the If Money Were Easy newsletter to get extra insights, deep dives, behind-the-scenes content, and opportunities to ask your own questions delivered straight to your inbox.

Looking forward to continuing these conversations with you!

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 Hear in this Episode:

• Season 3 of the podcast kicks off on Wednesday, March 19th.
• We started a YouTube channel where you can watch video versions of this season's episodes.
• Subscribe to the If Money Were Easy newsletter for extra insights, content, and conversations right in your inbox.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to our newsletter

• Subscribe to our Youtube channel

• 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