Friends Talk Money

Business & Finance

About

Whatever life after 50 looks like to you, thinking about money in retirement shouldn't keep you up at night. We're all dealing with the big questions about money and aging: How much you can really spend, how to invest your life savings without risking it all in the stock market, and should you sell your home and downsize? Then there's the biggest unknown: how much health care you'll need, and whether your savings and insurance is enough to cover the costs. This is personal. These topics may not be easy to talk about with your own family. That's why nationally known personal finance experts Terry Savage, Richard Eisenberg, and Pam Krueger and are here to open up the dialogue so you can learn how to define your retirement and deal with your money on your own terms. These three friends think, write, and speak about these issues. And now they're joining forces to give you the benefit of their experience, wisdom and advice in their new podcast, Friends Talk Money. Each week Richard, Pa

Episodes

  • The Money Conversation Every Couple Needs to Have But Never Does

    Nearly 3 in 4 couples say money is a source of tension in their relationship. But most never figure out why, or what to do about it. In this episode of Friends Talk Money , Richard, Pam, and Terry talk with Heather and Doug Bonaparte, a ma…

  • New Deductions Could Get You More Money Back

    Tax season just got a major overhaul. The One Big Beautiful Bill changed more tax rules than anything since 2017, and if you're over 65, retired, or earning tip or overtime income, you could be leaving serious money on the table. In this e…

  • Financial Caregiving for Aging Parents: What You Must Do Now

    Description: Becoming a financial caregiver for an aging parent can happen overnight. And even financially savvy families can find themselves unprepared. In this episode of Friends Talk Money , we talk with Beth Pinsker , author of My Moth…

  • Is a Market Crash Coming? AI Bubbles, Bear Markets & Retirement Risk With Special Guest Jim Stack

    The Dow is hovering near 50,000. AI stocks are dominating the market. And investors are feeling both confident and anxious at the same time. It's the first Friends Talk Money episode of 2026, and we're joined by expert market strategist Ji…

  • Is ChatGPT Smart Enough to Retire You?

    AI is now answering millions of financial questions every day, but how much of it can you actually trust? In this episode of Friends Talk Money , Pam Krueger, Terry Savage, and Richard Eisenberg dive deep into the surge of AI-generated fin…

  • Gen X Retirement Wake-Up Call: Debt, Kids, Aging Parents & The Future of Social Security

    Gen X is officially in the retirement danger zone — and many are worried about outliving their savings. In this episode of Friends Talk Money , Richard Eisenberg, Terry Savage, and I sit down with author and workplace/retirement expert Ker…

  • The High Cost of Doing Nothing: Medicare Open Enrollment Mistakes to Avoid for 2026

    Three-quarters of Medicare beneficiaries say choosing a Medicare plan is confusing, and nearly 7 in 10 (69%) Medicare beneficiaries have not compared their own source of Medicare coverage with other Medicare options offered in their area d…

  • Job Search After 50: Career Change, Ageism & AI Tips

    Nearly 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are planning a job change this year, according to a new AARP survey—but here's the surprising part: 65% haven't taken any steps to prepare.In this episode of Friends Talk Money, hosts Terry, Richard, and Pam…

  • Gen X's Retirement Shock: The Truth About Healthcare Costs

    Generation X is often called the "forgotten middle child" between Boomers and Millennials, but with 65 million Gen Xers moving into their 50s and early 60s, they're facing a massive financial challenge: skyrocketing healthcare costs. In th…

  • Older Americans Are Starting Businesses—and Why It's Getting Harder

    More Americans in their 50s, 60s, and beyond are starting businesses than ever before—but they're also facing new, mounting challenges. In this episode of Friends Talk Money , we unpack what's fueling this surge in encore entrepreneurship…

  • The 'One Big Beautiful Bill': What It Really Means for Your Taxes, Medicare & Retirement

    The 2025 Budget Bill — aka the "One Big Beautiful Bill" — is now law. But behind the headlines and hype, how does it impact your taxes, Social Security, Medicare, estate plan, and healthcare costs? In this episode of Friends Talk Money, Pa…

  • How AI Is Revolutionizing Long-Term Care Planning

    Artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping the way we plan—and pay—for long-term care. In this new episode of Friends Talk Money, Richard, Pam, and Terry sit down with Lily Vittayarukskul, Co-Founder and CEO of Waterlily, for a candid co…

  • 4 Big 401(k) Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know

    Special Guest: Lisa Gomez Big changes are coming to your 401(k) and workplace retirement plans in 2025 — are you ready for them? In this new episode, the Friends Talk Money team sits down with retirement policy expert Lisa Gomez (former As…

  • What's in Your 401(k)? It's Time to Look.

    If you're like a lot of people nearing retirement, your 401(k) or 403(b) is probably the biggest part of your savings. But do you actually know how it's invested—or how much risk in stocks you're taking on without realizing it? In this epi…

  • The Truth About Financial Advisors: Friends Talk Money Co-Hosts Interview Pam Krueger

    Is your financial advisor truly working in your best interest — or theirs? In this eye-opening episode, the Friends Talk Money team turns the mic toward their own co-host, Pam Krueger, as she reveals the personal story behind Wealthramp ,…

  • Social Security: True or False

    In this episode of Friends Talk Money , we're joined by Phil Moeller, renowned journalist and co-author of Get What's Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security . Phil dives into all things Social Security—unpacking the latest c…

  • Solo Travel on a Budget: Tips from Expert Barbara Talisman

    Ready to explore the world without breaking the bank? The Friends Talk Money crew sat down with Barbara Talisman from Talisman Travel Tribe, who shares her top tips for traveling the world on a shoestring budget! From finding cheap flights…

  • The Taxman Answers Your Questions

    Looking for help this tax season? The Friends Talk Money team welcomes IRS spokesperson Eric Smith to discuss important tax changes and tax planning strategies. As a trusted tax accountant for the IRS, Eric breaks down the difference betwe…

  • How to Rebuild Your Finances After a Disaster: Insights from Mitchell Freedman

    Rebuilding your finances after a disaster can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The Friends Talk Money crew sits down to learn more from Wealthramp-network advisor Mitchell Freedman, CPA/PFS, who's lived through this before himself.…

  • Retirees: Are You Taking too Much Risk With Your Investments?

    Worried whether the stock market is too risky for your retirement money? You're not alone! We're going to help you decide how to sleep at night and still invest so you're money's working for you. Tune in as the Friends Talk Money team chat…

  • Is a Roth Conversion Right for You? Guest Larry Kotlikoff Helps You Decide

    Thinking about a Roth conversion but not sure if it's the right move? The Friends Talk Money team breaks down six key things you need to know before making a decision! From tax implications to future benefits, we've got you covered. Curiou…

  • How to Get Your Finances Organized in 2025

    The Friends Talk Money team is here to help you start 2025 off right! From organizing your important documents to aligning your investments with your goals, we've got the tools and tips you need for a successful financial year! What financ…

  • Answers to The Big Questions for the Second Half of Life With Debra Whitman, PhD

    Debra Whitman Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP joins the Friends Talk Money crew to give us a glimpse into her latest book, 'The Second Fifty'. Dive into the conversation as Richard, Pam, and Terry discuss the big questions about health,…

  • Kickstart Your New Year: Essential Financial Tips for a Better Life

    Ready to make 2025 your best financial year yet? The Friends Talk Money team is here to help! Join Terry, Rich, and Pam as they break down 9 essential tips to set yourself up for financial success in the new year. Unlock Your Financial Fut…

  • Charitable Giving 101: Year End Tax Tip & Maximize Your Impact

    It's that time of year again! The Friends Talk Money team dives into charitable giving. There are many benefits to contributing to your favorite charity. The conversation is about the tax and personal benefits of giving. But how do you cho…

  • Expert Tips for a Secure Retirement with Christine Benz

    Ready to unlock the secrets to a fulfilling retirement? It's the most talked-about retirement book in decades! Join the Friends Talk Money team as they chat with retirement expert and best-selling author, Christine Benz! Christine shares s…

  • Unlock Medicare: Your Guide to Open Enrollment with Philip Moeller

    Medicare open enrollment starts now, and this year things could get a little tricky. Good news! We have three of the country's top Medicare experts co-hosts, Richard & Terry right here, and we're joined by Medicare special guest, Philip Mo…

  • Back to School for Retirees

    A growing number of people 55+ are searching for a deeper meaning and purpose in your life, and heading back to college to find it. And many prestigious colleges and universities are offering specialized programs designed just for those ne…

  • Estate Planning 101: What to Do With Your Home

    Your home is more than just a roof over your head; it's a treasure trove of memories and emotions. As you consider your estate planning, it's essential to think about how to pass this cherished asset on to your heirs. The Friends Talk Mone…

  • Resume Building Tips for Those Looking to Come Out of Retirement

    As more retirees seek to reenter the workforce, it is crucial to know how to position yourself for success in today's competitive job market. In this episode, the Friends Talk Money team shares valuable insights on updating your resume eff…

  • IRAs: The Latest Law with IRA Guru Ed Slott

    On the latest episode of Friends Talk Money, the crew sits down with IRA and Tax Guru Ed Slott to dive deep into all things retirement savings.

  • How to Find the Money to Buy Long-Term Care Insurance

    Expert Brian Gordon explains how a recent law created a clever new way to pay for premiums in case you ever need long-term care.

  • Financial Planning for Families with Special Needs

    Taking care of loved one's with special needs can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you're going at it alone. That's why it's so important to know where to turn for help. Mary Anne Ehlert, founder of Protected Tomorrows, recently j…

  • A Widows Guide to Emotional and Financial Well-being with Alexandra Armstrong, CFP®

    The Friends Talk Money team is joined by Alexandra Armstrong, CFP®, CRPC® who is the chairman and founder of Armstrong, Fleming & Moore, Inc. Alex has worked in the investment field for more than 40 years and back in 1977, was the first pe…

  • A Conversation With the Man Who Invented Your 401(k)

    Our next special guest has undeniably made the most significant impact on your retirement savings strategy. In this episode, the Friends Talk Money team sits down with Ted Benna, the father of the 401(k) plan. Ted shares the fascinating st…

  • Social Security Good News!

    New Social Security Commissioner Cuts Clawbacks!

  • Unemployed Over 60, and Can't Get a Job

    There's nothing more painful than losing your job when you're older and not being able to get a new one. Research says there's a stigma about "older unemployment" - especially when it drags on for more than a year! Meet Ben who is going th…

  • How to Save on Prescriptions When You're On Medicare

    The price of prescription drugs can be enormous when you're on Medicare, so in this Friends Talk Money episode, we offer advice on how to pay the least for your medications. With help from expert Diane Archer of JustCareUsa, we discuss whe…

  • What You Don't Know About Longevity Could Hurt Your Retirement

    You're probably familiar with financial literacy, which entails having the skills, knowledge and behaviors to make decisions about money. But how's your longevity literacy? Not sure what we're talking about? In this episode Pam, Terry and…

  • What financial advice are you getting for your 401(k) rollover?

    In this episode Pam, Terry and Richard talk about what's likely to be the most important financial decision you'll ever make… what to do with your 401(k) money when you're ready to retire? The Department of Labor says any retirement advice…

  • Dealing with Debt Later in Life

    Advice on lowering your debt load and credit card rates, plus pros and cons of filing bankruptcy. With Bruce McClary, Senior Vice President of Media Relations & Membership at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

  • What to Know Before Retiring Abroad

    Retiring abroad can be appealing, with lower costs and great weather. But here are some things you also need to consider before making a move.

  • How You Can Financially Set Up Your Grandchildren For Success

    In this episode, the Friends Talk Money team discusses how you can help set up your grandchildren for financial success beyond the traditional 529 college saving plans. Tune in as Pam, Richard and Terry share helpful tips and savvy money s…

  • What to Know About Required Minimum Distributions From Retirement Plans

    The rules for RMDs have changed and you will want to know how much you must take out of your retirement plans and when. We explain it all on this episode of Friends Talk Money, including year-end advice.

  • We're Doing Inheritances All Wrong

    The Friends Talk Money podcasts talk about why many of us aren't bestowing inheritances to heirs the right way and not helping our parents make inheritances properly. We also talk about how financial advisers could be more helpful to famil…

  • Social Security Horror Stories!

    Social Security is clawing back $21 billion in mistaken overpayments — impacting retirees and the disabled. Terry Savage and Larry Kotlikoff have written a new book —Social Security Horror Stories— revealing the shocking abuse. Last weeken…

  • Open Enrollment for Medicare is Here! We have some advice and some warnings.

    What to know about Medicare Open Enrollment for 2024. What's new and how to shop wisely for coverage.

  • Advice for glass half empty investors

    Not everyone looks at their personal financial future through rose colored glasses. In fact a recent Gallup poll shows Americans not yet retired are more worried than anytime in the past ten years. Discouraged savers who see the glass-half…

  • Help with Student Loan Repayments!

    Learn how to lower your repayments and cut years off your loan payments w attorney and expert Rae Kaplan . Student Loan Sticker Shock By Terry Savage Federal Student Loan Debt Relief

  • 'Rock Your Retirement' with Help From Roger Whitney

    Roger AKA, "The Retirement Answer Man" and author of "Rock Retirement: A Simple Guide to Help You Take Control and Be More Optimistic About the Future,". Roger has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional for more than 25 years. He…