The Simply Retirement Podcast

The Simply Retirement Podcast

Welcome to The Simply Retirement Podcast with Eric Blake, a financial professional from Blake Wealth Management. Our goal is to support women approaching retirement and help them navigate the challenges of this important phase of life. With years of expertise, Eric and his guests provide insights and advice on retirement planning, specifically for widows, divorcees, or women that are simply ready to take control of their financial future. Our “Simply Retirement Roadmap Process” is a key part of our philosophy. Knowing “what’s next?” can be overwhelming, so we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your retirement planning journey. Starting with a 15-Minute Introductory phone call to get to know each other better, if together we feel it makes sense, we help you build your own Simply Retirement Roadmap and walk side by side with you down the path to financial freedom. So join us on The Simply Retirement Podcast and visit our website at www.blakewealthmanagement.com

Episodes

February 11, 2026 29 mins

Most people know they should be saving for retirement, but fewer understand how contribution rules, taxes, and prioritization actually work together.

Small decisions, like where you save first or how you respond to changing tax brackets, can shape long-term outcomes far more than people realize.

In this episode, I walk thro...

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Divorce later in life is not just a legal event; it is an emotional and financial turning point that reshapes identity, confidence, and long-term planning.

In this episode, I sit down with Mardi Winder, a strategic divorce consultant and founder of Positive Communication Systems, to discuss what really happens before, during, and after a gray divorce. 

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Social Security decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand spousal and survivor benefits. 

What benefits are you entitled to based on your spouse’s record? When should you claim them?

In this Q&A episode, I address two common Social Security questions that women face. I walk through the ...

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Major life transitions can leave you feeling lost and uncertain about your financial future.

How do you move forward when everything feels overwhelming? What questions should you even be asking when you’re navigating divorce, widowhood, or any significant financial change?

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Steuer,...

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That annual Social Security increase announcement can be confusing. 

Is it a bonus? Will it cover your rising costs? More importantly, how does it really affect your decisions about when to retire and when to claim your benefits?

In this episode, I unpack the new 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026. We explore how Socia...

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Divorce doesn’t have to be devastating. 

It can be empowering when approached with clarity and the right support.

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Covy, divorce coach, attorney, and mediator, to explore how women can take control of the divorce process. We talk about choosing the right process for your situation, unde...

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Understanding Social Security can feel complicated, especially when life events like divorce or widowhood come into play. 

In this episode, I join Karen Covy on her podcast, Off The Fence, to walk through the rules that often matter most for women.

We discuss how full retirement age works, how spousal, ex-spousal, and survi...

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Many people nearing retirement are unsure how recent rule changes might affect what they can receive.

What happens when long-standing limits disappear, and families finally gain access to benefits they were denied for years?

In this special replay, we revisit one of our most crucial and widely discussed episodes of the year...

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Retirement planning doesn’t end once you stop working; it evolves. 

In this episode, I wrap up my seven essential strategies for successful investing in retirement, focusing on two of the most pivotal: managing your tax burden and deciding whether to work with an advisor. 

I share how to plan ahead for taxes, the importance...

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Investing in retirement requires a completely different mindset, one focused on income, not just preservation.

In this episode, I continue our Seven Strategies for Successful Investing in Retirement series by explaining Strategy #4: Understanding the Role of Stocks in Retirement, and Strategy #5: The Value of Dividend Growth Investing. 

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What if the way you’ve been told to protect your money in retirement is actually putting your future at risk?

In this episode, I continue our series on the seven essential strategies for successful investing in retirement. We tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of retirement planning, defining the real purpose of your portfolio and reframing how you thi...

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Retirement is shifting in ways that require new thinking, new planning, and new strategies.

In this episode, I launch a new series on the seven essential strategies for successful investing in retirement. I explain how today’s retirement looks different than past generations, why the Great Wealth Transfer is so impactful for women, and why starting with a clear ...

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Retirement isn’t just about slowing down. It’s about stepping into a chapter that feels alive with meaning and joy.

In this episode, I speak with Joy Levin, President of Gen X Exec Encore and Certified Professional Retirement Coach, about how Gen X women can reimagine retirement as an encore to life. Together, we explore how to shift from career identity to pers...

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The holiday season often inspires generosity, but how you give can make a big difference for both your loved ones and your finances.

In this episode, I explore seven actionable gifting strategies you can use before the year ends to support your children, grandchildren, and favorite charities while also being mindful of tax planning opportunities. I walk through ...

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Our financial legacy is important, but our stories and memories are priceless. 

This time, we go beyond numbers to focus on preserving the voices, photos, and experiences that define a family’s history.

In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Martin, founder of The Zoe Martin, to talk about the importance of capturing family s...

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What if your most painful experiences could become the foundation for new strength and hope?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brooke Jones, Founder of Stronger Women, to talk about her journey of survival, recovery, and empowerment. She shares her story of leaving abuse, the challenges women face when trying to rebuild their lives, and the importance of fina...

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The final months of the year are the perfect time to review your finances and take action before December 31st. 

New tax laws bring both opportunities and risks, making this year’s planning even more important.

In this episode, I walk through my year-end tax planning checklist to help you understand the key areas that can i...

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Deciding when to start Social Security is more than a math equation. It’s about balancing life expectancy, risk tolerance, and long-term income needs.

In this episode, I explore the trade-offs of claiming early versus delaying for larger benefits. I explain how investing early benefits might change the picture, why survivor benefits matter, and how taxes and pol...

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Roth IRAs can feel confusing—but when you understand how they work, they can become one of the most powerful tools in your retirement plan.

In this episode, you’ll discover how Roth IRAs may give you more control over your taxes in retirement, create flexibility for future withdrawals, and help protect your income for the long run.

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Exiting a business is more than just a financial transaction. It’s a life transition that can affect family, legacy, and the future you envision.

In this episode, I sit down with Renita Wolf, MBA, founder and CEO of Poe Wolf Partners, to discuss how business owners can thoughtfully plan for a smooth and meaningful exit. We explore the importance of preparation, ...

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