In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, we join financial planner Matt Meline as he guides listeners through the essential strategies for achieving financial freedom in retirement. We explore key topics, including managing healthcare costs, navigating inflation, and understanding the importance of tax planning. Matt emphasizes the need for a solid spending plan and encourages listeners to embrace their newfound freedom while ensuring they are prepared for any financial surprises. Join us as we help you turn this life transition into your next great chapter!

Digital Asset:
Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/

Episode Highlights:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Living Free in Retirement
00:01:24 - Navigating Post-Childhood Financial Concerns
00:02:28 - Long-Term Care and Healthcare Planning
00:03:41 - Understanding Inflation and Market Risks
00:04:34 - Building a Three-Year Financial Plan
00:05:49 - Spending Flexibility in Retirement
00:06:40 - Tax Considerations in Retirement
00:08:38 - Roth Conversions and Charitable Giving
00:10:45 - Legacy Planning and Family Conversations
00:12:51 - Reassessing Your Financial Mindset
00:14:16 - Key Takeaways for a Successful Retirement
00:15:40 - Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Quote

Join Us for our LIVE webinar on Dec 10: "Build Your Retirement Paycheck: Spending Guardrails for Empty Nesters.". Register HERE: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/

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I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: info@pfwplanning.com

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

In this episode, we discuss the crucial topic of spending in retirement, addressing common concerns about whether individuals are spending the right amount and how to navigate financial fears and guilt. Matt Meline shares insights from his recent keynote at the Arizona Oasis Conference, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from saving to spending with confidence. We explore the need for a comprehensive spending plan that incorporates fixed income sources like Social Security and annuities, as well as investment withdrawals. Additionally, Matt introduces innovative tools that help establish financial guardrails and stress tests, ensuring our listeners can enjoy their retirement without the anxiety of running out of money. Join us as we empower you to embrace the retirement lifestyle you've earned!

Digital Asset:
Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/

Episode Highlights:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Spending in Retirement

00:01:00 - Conference Experience and Keynote

00:02:00 - The Challenge of Transitioning to Retirement

00:03:30 - The Importance of a Spending Plan

00:05:00 - Understanding Fixed Income Sources

00:07:00 - Annuities as a Safety Net

00:08:30 - Investment Withdrawals and Market Risks

00:10:00 - The 4% Rule as a Guideline

00:11:00 - Introducing New Planning Tools

00:12:00 - Sample Retirement Plan Overview

00:13:00 - Visualizing Spending Capacity and Adjustments

00:14:00 - Conclusion and Importance of a Good Plan

Join Us for our LIVE webinar on Dec 10: "Build Your Retirement Paycheck: Spending Guardrails for Empty Nesters.". Register HERE: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: info@pfwplanning.com

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

What if the silence after your kids leave isn’t emptiness, but your invitation to grow? In today’s inspiring episode, Matt Meline shares a powerful case study for anyone feeling lost, restless, or ready to reinvent themselves after years of putting family first. From letting grief breathe to rediscovering creativity and redefining career purpose, Matt reveals how to turn the empty nest into a season of growth, joy, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever wondered what’s next after raising kids, this one’s your permission to slow down, get curious, and dream again. Press play, feel the shift, and reclaim your spark today.


Digital Asset:
Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/


Episode highlights:
(1:54) The emotional shock of an empty house
(4:28) When career success stops feeling fulfilling
(6:19) The turning point: Slowing down to heal
(7:48) Grab your free Empty Nest Success Checklist. Your guide to turning an empty nest into your best chapter. https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/
(9:08) Dreaming again with your partner
(10:57) Three reflections for this next chapter
(12:06) Reinvention starts with one small step
(13:04) Outro

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: info@pfwplanning.com

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM