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

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, host Matt Meline helps you navigate one of the biggest questions after the kids move out. Should you downsize, right-size, or stay put? With real-life stories and practical insights, Matt shows how your home decision isn’t just about space, but about shaping the life you want in this next chapter.

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

Episode highlights:
(2:51) Memories, meaning, and family attachment
(4:36) Financial lens: Mortgages and hidden costs
(6:59) 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/
(8:20) Lifestyle fit and future goals
(9:38) Timing the market Vs. Timing your life
(11:14) Key questions before making a move
(13:07) 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

Strengthening futures by protecting your own. In today’s episode, Matt Meline unpacks the hidden costs of financial help, from everyday emergencies to big milestones like weddings and first homes. With personal stories and practical strategies, Matt shows how to set healthy boundaries, create mindful giving plans, and protect your retirement without losing your generosity.


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

Episode highlights:
(2:52) Why generosity often turns into obligation
(4:28) Retirement risks of supporting kids
(6:26) Setting boundaries on big expenses
(7:20) 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/
(10:12) Creating a mindful giving plan
(11:51) Why your security is their gift
(12:40) 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

What do you do when the kids leave and life feels different financially and emotionally? In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline shares how to reset your finances and reclaim your purpose in this new chapter. From extra cash flow to insurance, housing, and long-term planning, Matt shows how to turn transition into opportunity. You’ll also learn why this isn’t just about money, it’s about rediscovering your why and aligning your goals with what matters most. Tune in and take the first step toward making your empty nest full of freedom and possibility.

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

Episode highlights:
(1:53) Pause before the pivot
(3:27) What changes in your finances
(4:18) Insurance and benefits review
(4:56) Housing decisions and opportunities
(5:41) Reassessing your goals and why
(8:09) 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/
(9:18) Conversations that matter
(11:02) Quick wins and retirement boosts
(12:43) Vision meeting for your next chapter
(13:22) 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

What comes after the kids leave home and the house gets quiet? This podcast is for parents stepping into the empty nest stage and wondering what’s next. If your kids are grown and you’re ready to focus on your own goals, this show will help you with everything from smart financial planning and retirement decisions to managing family changes and rediscovering your purpose. Welcome to Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast.

—

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

Have you ever wondered how scammers exploit technology to deceive even the most vigilant among us? This episode of The PrairieFire Podcast reveals the latest schemes—from fake QR codes to romance scams—and equips you with simple, effective ways to protect yourself. Join Matt Meline and Will Schrader as they share tips from a financial crime expert on recognizing red flags and staying one step ahead. Don’t miss this vital discussion to safeguard your finances and peace of mind.

If you encounter a scam, here are the steps and websites to report it:

1. IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
Website: www.ic3.gov
The IC3, run by the FBI, allows individuals to report cybercrimes, including phishing, identity theft, and online fraud.

2. FBI Resources
Website: www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety
The FBI provides educational resources on scams and has links for reporting various crimes.

3. Local Law Enforcement
Contact your local police department to report scams, especially those involving financial or identity theft.

Episode highlights:
(1:17) Scam prevention
(3:04) Insights from Detective Ryan on financial crimes
(5:06) Bank employee imposters and fake calls
(9:12) Romance scams and warning signs
(12:04) Social engineering and fear tactics
(14:32) QR code safety tips
(16:15) Smishing scams and red flags
(18:12) Work-from-home, identity thief, and charity scams
(20:33) Reporting scams and available resources
(22:37) 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