Money Sense

Ellenbecker Investment Group

Money Sense is your trusted guide to building true wealth—beyond just money. Hosted by Karen Ellenbecker, founder and senior wealth advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), this weekly podcast helps you make confident decisions about your finances, health, and legacy. For over 35 years, Karen and the EIG Wealth Advisors have combined financial planning expertise with insights from economists, attorneys, authors, tax professionals, and other thought leaders. Each episode explores how to align your money with your values, create a life you love, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re planning for retirement, navigating taxes, or simply looking for financial clarity, Money Sense delivers practical strategies and inspiring conversations to help you live with purpose. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and start building wealth that makes sense—for your life and your legacy.

  1. vor 4 Tagen

    The Psychology of Retirement

    Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions we face, yet most retirement conversations focus solely on the financial side. In this episode of Money Sense, Senior Wealth Advisor Jean Range sits down with Dr. Jessica Fischer, Brown Deer Campus Director of Clinical Services at Rogers Behavioral Health, to discuss the emotional and psychological realities of retirement. Jean and Dr. Fischer discuss the stages of retirement, the importance of purpose and community, signs that loneliness or depression may be developing, and practical ways to prepare emotionally for this next chapter of life. They also share resources for retirees and families looking to support healthy aging and overall well-being. 00:00 Why Retirement Is More Than a Financial Decision 02:12 When Your Career Becomes Your Identity 07:08 Building Purpose, Routine, and Social Connection 09:32 The Stages of Retirement Adjustment 13:14 Recognizing Loneliness, Anxiety, and Depression 15:24 When One Spouse Retires Before the Other 19:34 Finding Activities That Fill Your Bucket 23:33 Creating a Happier, More Meaningful Retirement New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real-life decisions. #MoneySense #RetirementPlanning #RetirementLifestyle #Retirement #MentalHealth #HealthyAging #BehavioralHealth #LifeAfterWork #FinancialPlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialEducation #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

  2. 14. Juli

    The Difference Between Tax Preparation and Tax Planning

    Taxes are often something people think about once a year. Gather the documents, file the return, and move on. But what if that approach is causing you to miss valuable opportunities? In this episode of Money Sense, Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin sits down with Richard Wolosek, CPA and Tax Planning Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to break down the critical difference between tax preparation and tax planning. While tax preparation focuses on reporting what already happened, tax planning helps shape what happens next. Nik and Richard explore how proactive tax strategies can impact every stage of life, from accumulating wealth and preparing for retirement to leaving a tax-efficient legacy for future generations. They also share real-world examples of how thoughtful planning can help reduce taxes, avoid costly Medicare premium increases, maximize charitable giving strategies, and create more flexibility throughout retirement. 00:00 Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning: What's the Difference? 04:06 How Tax Planning Creates More Financial Options 08:42 Tax Strategies During Your Working Years 15:18 Retirement Tax Planning Opportunities 20:22 Legacy Planning, Inheritance, and Taxes 21:41 Real Client Stories 33:20 Final Takeaways  New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #TaxPlanning #TaxPreparation #RetirementPlanning #RothConversion #FinancialEducation #PersonalFinance #TaxStrategy #WealthManagement #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

  3. 7. Juli

    Pet Care, Costs, Planning, and Community Resources

    Pets are family, but they also come with financial responsibilities that many owners don't fully anticipate. In this episode of Money Sense, Wealth Services Advisor Courtney Witthuhn is joined by Ellenbecker Investment Group Director of Marketing Sara McGuire to discuss the true cost of pet ownership, how to financially prepare for a pet, and the community resources available to help families keep their beloved companions healthy and at home. From pet insurance and emergency vet expenses to fostering, volunteering, and affordable care programs, this conversation offers practical guidance for current and future pet owners. Whether you're considering adding a pet to your family or looking for ways to better plan for your furry friend's future, this episode is packed with actionable insights. 00:00 Why Pet Planning Matters 01:57 The Real Cost of Pet Ownership 08:55 Preparing Financially for a Pet 15:00 Budgeting, Pet Insurance & Emergency Expenses 22:10 Alternatives to Ownership: Fostering & Volunteering 25:58 Community Resources & Estate Planning for Pet New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #PetCareCosts #PetInsurance #FinancialPlanning #PetOwnership #WisconsinHumaneSociety #AnimalRescue #VeterinaryCare #PetBudgeting #EstatePlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialWellness ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

  4. 30. Juni

    Q2 2026 Market Update

    Markets rarely move in straight lines and Q2 2026 was a powerful reminder of that. In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker is joined by long-time market voice Mike Roth and Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin to unpack a volatile yet resilient quarter. From geopolitical tensions and oil shocks to a remarkable market rebound, this conversation breaks down what really drove performance and what investors should pay attention to moving forward. The group explores the balance between strong economic fundamentals and headline-driven noise, and how both shaped investor sentiment. They also discuss inflation trends, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, the growing influence of AI, and how everyday investors can interpret what is happening through the lens of gas prices, rates, and portfolio decisions. 01:28 Q2 Market Resilience Explained 03:00 Geopolitics, Oil Shock & Market Reaction 06:15 Why Markets Rebounded (AI, CapEx & Confidence) 15:40 Strong Economy & Consumer Spending Trends 28:24 Inflation, Fed Policy & Market Outlook 35:30 Elections, Market Cycles & What Comes Next New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #MarketUpdate #Q22026 #InvestingInsights #EconomicOutlook #InflationTrends #InterestRates #AIandInvesting #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #InvestorEducation #StockMarket #LongTermInvesting ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

  5. 23. Juni

    Insurance Coverage Gaps, Liability Risks, and Recommendations

    Insurance is something many people have, but not always something they revisit or fully understand. In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, sits down with Jody Leonhardt, Accounts Manager and Agent at American Advantage Insurance, to walk through the basics of property and casualty insurance in a clear and practical way. Together, they talk through how coverage works, how to think about protecting what you’ve built, and why regular check-ins matter as life evolves. From auto and homeowners insurance to umbrella policies, this conversation offers helpful perspective for making more informed decisions about your coverage. 00:00 Why Understanding Your Coverage Matters 02:05 Agent vs Broker and Finding the Right Fit 05:10 Auto Insurance Basics and Coverage Limits 09:15 Aligning Coverage with Your Assets 12:40 Homeowners Insurance and Shared Risk 17:55 Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value 22:30 Everyday Liability Risks at Home 27:40 Umbrella Insurance and How It Works New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #InsurancePlanning #FinancialEducation #WealthProtection #RiskManagement #PersonalFinance #HomeownersInsurance #AutoInsurance #UmbrellaPolicy #FinancialPlanning #LiabilityProtection ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

  6. 16. Juni

    College Athletics in a Pay-for-Play Era

    College athletics is evolving fast. What used to center on scholarships and school pride now includes contracts, branding deals, and real income before athletes even step on campus. In this episode of Money Sense, Heather Deaton sits down with Chellee Siewert, Founder and President of Capture Sports Entertainment, to unpack what the pay-for-play (NIL) era means for athletes, families, and the future of college sports. From building a trusted team to navigating contracts, taxes, and personal branding, this conversation explores both the opportunities and the risks. They also zoom out to examine how NIL is reshaping team dynamics, recruiting, and the long-term landscape of college athletics. 00:00 The Shift to Pay-for-Play in College Sports 02:12 What NIL Really Means for Athletes Today 04:05 Building the Right Team Around an Athlete 06:45 Early Deals, Contracts, and Hidden Risks 08:58 Schools Paying Athletes Directly Explained 11:30 Athletes as Brands: Identity Beyond the Game 15:00 Financial Planning and Managing Sudden Income 18:10 Team Dynamics, Transfers, and Recruiting Changes 22:05 What Comes Next: Rules, Risks, and the Future of NIL New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #CollegeAthletics #NIL #PayForPlay #StudentAthletes #FinancialEducation #WealthPlanning #SportsBusiness ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

  7. 9. Juni

    EIG Behind The Scenes: Operations & Systems

    “EIG Behind the Scenes” is a new Money Sense series designed to highlight the people and perspectives behind Ellenbecker Investment Group. In this first episode, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Brett Engelking, Director of Operations and Systems, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a boutique firm. Karen reflects on her more than 40 years in the industry and the intentional decisions behind building a firm grounded in personalized service, long-term relationships, and thoughtful growth. Brett shares how operations and systems work behind the scenes to bring that vision to life while adapting to an increasingly complex, fast-moving environment. They also discuss how technology supports, but never replaces, human connection, and explore what the rise of AI could mean for the future of the industry. 0:00 EIG Behind The Scenes Introduction 1:50 How the Industry has Evolved Over 40 Years 4:30 What Operations and Systems Actually Do 7:30 From Manual Processes to Modern Technology 11:30 What “Boutique” Really Means Today 15:30 Relationships, Trust, and Legacy Planning 21:30 Technology, AI, and Risk Awareness 29:30 The Future of Advice and The Firm #MoneySensePodcast #EIGBehindTheScenes #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #ClientExperience #FinancialEducation #BoutiqueFirm #InvestingInsights #LegacyPlanning #AIinFinance #BehindTheScenes ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group

  8. 2. Juni

    Why Delayed Gratification Matters for Investors

    What if the hardest part of investing is not finding the right strategy but sticking with it? In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel sits down with fellow Wealth Advisor Nik Kibardin to explore how behavioral finance shapes the way we save, spend, and invest. From the classic marshmallow experiment to real world market cycles, they break down why delaying gratification can be one of the most powerful decisions an investor makes. They unpack market timing, the temptation to chase short term wins, and offer practical strategies to help investors stay grounded, disciplined, and focused on long term goals. You will also hear a compelling side by side example that shows how time in the market can matter more than timing the market. 00:00 Why Behavioral Finance Matters 02:15 The Marshmallow Test and What It Teaches Investors 05:10 FOMO, Market Highs, and the Risk of Chasing Returns 08:30 Why Market Downturns Feel So Much Worse 11:40 The Power of Compound Growth with a Real Example 16:20 Time Horizon, Risk, and Smarter Decision Making 21:45 Why You Cannot Time the Market 24:30 Building Habits, Diversification, and Staying Invested New episodes of Money Sense drop every Tuesday. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most. #MoneySense #BehavioralFinance #DelayedGratification #InvestingWisely #FinancialPlanning #LongTermInvesting #WealthBuilding #FinancialEducation ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Info

Money Sense is your trusted guide to building true wealth—beyond just money. Hosted by Karen Ellenbecker, founder and senior wealth advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), this weekly podcast helps you make confident decisions about your finances, health, and legacy. For over 35 years, Karen and the EIG Wealth Advisors have combined financial planning expertise with insights from economists, attorneys, authors, tax professionals, and other thought leaders. Each episode explores how to align your money with your values, create a life you love, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re planning for retirement, navigating taxes, or simply looking for financial clarity, Money Sense delivers practical strategies and inspiring conversations to help you live with purpose. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and start building wealth that makes sense—for your life and your legacy.