In this episode, Lisa sits down with Curtis Petersen, National Sales Director for the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA), to discuss how the Certified Senior Advisor credential helps professionals better serve older adults and their families.

Curtis shares the history and mission behind CSA, what it takes to earn the certification, and why ethics, continuing education, and third-party oversight are essential in the aging services industry. Together, they explore how families can identify trusted professionals, build a reliable support network, and navigate the complexities of aging with greater confidence.

Whether you're a family caregiver, an older adult planning for the future, or a professional who serves seniors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the resources, education, and guidance available to help make aging decisions less overwhelming.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• What the CSA credential is and why it matters
• How Certified Senior Advisors support older adults and families
• The importance of trust, ethics, and ongoing education
• Resources available for aging adults, caregivers, and professionals
• How open family conversations can lead to better outcomes

As Curtis reminds us, planning for the later chapters of life isn't just about preparation. It's about preserving options, dignity, and peace of mind.

Resources
• CSA Website: https://www.csa.us/
• Find a Certified Senior Advisor: https://www.csa.us/Find-a-Certified-Senior/
• CSA Certification Program: https://www.csa.us/certification/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, financial expert Heather Clark shares practical insights on one of the biggest retirement impacts many people face: the timing of when to start withdrawals. With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate retirement planning, Heather breaks down how Social Security timing, pensions, taxes, and longevity planning all work together to impact your financial future.

You’ll learn why Social Security should be viewed as a pension, how spouse benefits are affected by timing and work history, and why personalized retirement strategies matter more than one-size-fits-all advice. Heather also shares practical tools, including RMD calculators and online resources, to help you make more confident financial decisions.

Whether you’re approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, or planning for long-term financial independence, this conversation offers valuable guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key topics include:
• Timing your Social Security benefits
• How pensions impact retirement income
• Tax implications in retirement
• Longevity planning strategies
• Benefit optimization tips
• Using RMD calculators effectively

Resources

Social Security Administration

Schwab RMD Calculator

Next Step Wealth Management

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode, Heather Clark shares practical, compassionate guidance on how to navigate financial planning for aging parents, without waiting for a crisis. From starting the often-avoided money conversation to building trust across generations, Heather breaks down how families can approach finances with clarity and confidence.

We explore why early planning matters, how to address long-term care considerations, and what it takes to create a strategy that supports both aging parents and the next generation. Whether you're unsure how to begin or looking to strengthen your current plan, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you move forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to start the conversation about money with aging parents
• Why trust and connection are essential in financial planning
• Key considerations for long-term care planning
• Strategies for intergenerational wealth transfer
• How to take a proactive (not reactive) approach to aging finances

This is the conversation every family needs—but few know how to start.

Key Takeaways:
• The best time to talk about money is before it’s urgent
• Trust is the foundation of every successful financial conversation
• Small, consistent conversations are more effective than one big talk
• Planning for long-term care protects both finances and relationships
• A clear plan reduces stress and prevents family conflict
• Financial transparency supports smoother transitions across generations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Clarity

02:37 Overcoming Financial Overwhelm

05:23 Finding a Trusted Financial Advisor

07:32 The Importance of Relationships in Financial Planning

10:24 Generational Financial Planning

13:08 The Reality of Social Security

15:02 Understanding Family Financial Dynamics

17:15 Simplifying Financial Management

19:36 Quality of Life and Financial Decisions

21:21 Planning for Future Care Needs

23:51 Engaging in Community Living

26:51 Navigating Family Conversations about Finances

33:43 Navigating Caregiver Overwhelm

36:01 The Importance of Open Conversations

37:01 Blind Spots in Aging and Caregiving

41:11 Starting Difficult Family Conversations

42:29 Understanding End-of-Life Wishes

47:25 Planning for Financial Longevity

53:14 The Need for Professional Guidance

Resources

Website: https://www.nextstep4you.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextStepWealthManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherclarknextstep4you/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.