Money Roots

Amy Irvine

Welcome to "Money Roots," the podcast where personal finance becomes personal. Join host Amy Irvine, CEO of Rooted Planning Group, as she demystifies the world of finance and makes it approachable for everyone, from beginners to financial experts. In each episode, Amy and her guests dig deep into the financial soil, planting the seeds of financial knowledge and helping you nurture your financial future. Whether you're looking to build a solid budget, invest wisely, or plan for retirement, "Money Roots" has you covered. Get ready to explore practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert insights that will empower you to take control of your financial destiny. It's time to grow your money roots and thrive financially! Subscribe to "Money Roots" now and join Amy on this exciting journey to financial empowerment. Let's put down some roots and flourish together.

  1. 2D AGO

    Mastering Money: From Financial Anxiety to Zen with Carrie Friedberg

    About the Guest(s):Carrie Friedberg is a certified Money Coach and Financial Behavior Specialist with over 15 years of experience through her practice, SF Money Coach. She has a rich background in education, having taught kindergarten for nearly a decade. With a commitment to helping individuals and couples conquer financial challenges, Carrie brings a unique blend of counselor training and personal experience in overcoming financial obstacles. Her journey from financial struggles to empowerment has inspired her to educate others on mastering personal finance. Carrie is the author of "At Peace with Money," a book that delivers a fresh perspective on achieving financial literacy and wellness. Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of "Money Roots," host Amy Irvine sits down with Carrie Friedberg, an experienced Money Coach, to delve into the emotional and practical aspects of financial literacy. The episode explores Carrie's transformation from financial struggle to expertise, highlighting her journey and the inception of her book, "At Peace with Money." With warmth and insight, Carrie shares her personal story of overcoming fears and challenges with money, offering a relatable perspective for listeners who find financial concepts daunting. Through this conversation, Carrie and Amy discuss the critical intersection of emotions and money, emphasizing the importance of education in achieving financial wellness. Their dialogue covers Carrie's unique coaching approach, tailored to help individuals and couples navigate their personal financial journeys. Carrie emphasizes how even those without a "natural money sense" can learn to manage their finances effectively, an insight that is encapsulated in her accessible, reader-friendly book. The discussion is packed with advice on financial planning, tools, and the importance of having an advocate in financial discussions, making it a must-listen for anyone aiming to improve their money mindset and management skills. Key Takeaways:Understanding personal finance doesn't require a natural aptitude but is a skill that can be taught and mastered by anyone willing to learn.Carrie's practical and holistic approach to financial coaching involves personalized, supportive guidance through consistency and tailored strategies.Emotions and money are intricately connected; having a coach can help demystify financial concepts by breaking them down into manageable steps.Writing down financial questions and scripting for meetings can empower individuals to control their financial decisions.Carrie's book, "At Peace with Money," is designed to be an inviting and humorous guide that demystifies financial management for readers. Notable Quotes:"Proof that anyone who can do fifth grade math can master personal finance.""I wrote the book that I needed to read.""Let's just be a little more light hearted and have open hands, and turn the lights on and open the windows around money.""Everything about wealth management and personal finance is so stiff and scary.""I think anyone can figure this out." Resources:Carrie Friedberg's Book: At Peace with MoneyFinancial Recovery Institute: (Mentioned Certification)Financial Behavior Specialist Certification at Creighton University: (Mentioned Certification) Tune in to this insightful episode as Amy and Carrie navigate the journey to financial understanding and empower you to take charge of your financial wellness. Follow "Money Roots" for more enriching discussions that bridge life events with dollars and cents.

    38 min
  2. FEB 25

    Essential Insurance Checklists for Your Financial Peace of Mind

    About the Guest(s):Amy Irvine is the CEO and Founder of the Rooted Planning Group. She is a seasoned financial planner dedicated to delivering insightful and practical financial guidance. Amy has significant expertise in the areas of financial planning, investment strategies, and insurance, having made impactful contributions to the field through her work and educational endeavors. Her commitment to enhancing clients' financial literacy and planning is evident in her engagements and educational content, such as the Money Roots podcast. Episode Summary:In this episode of the Money Roots podcast, Amy Irvine, CEO of Rooted Planning Group, explores the essential aspects of insurance planning. Building on a prior conversation about property and casualty insurance with expert Megan Dowd, Amy provides listeners with actionable insights to refine their understanding and management of insurance policies. This episode serves as a guide to discerning various types of insurance, aiding in wise decision-making to safeguard one's assets and enhance personal financial planning. Amy dives deep into critical components of property and casualty insurance, including considerations for home, automobile, and specialty coverage like flood or earthquake insurance. Emphasizing the importance of evaluating risks, Amy encourages listeners to reflect on their liability exposure and coverage adequacy. The discussion extends to life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance, highlighting key factors such as deductibles, coverage types, and strategic planning for future needs. Incorporating SEO keywords like "insurance planning," "liability coverage," and "financial protection," this episode is a comprehensive resource for anyone aiming to fortify their financial resilience. Key Takeaways:Understand the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost in property and casualty insurance for better asset protection.Evaluate liability risks, especially if owning attractive nuisances like pools or trampolines, to adjust coverage accordingly.Regularly review life and health insurance policies to ensure they align with current life situations and financial goals.Consider specialty insurance options like umbrella policies or identity theft protection for comprehensive coverage.Disability insurance and long-term care insurance are crucial for long-term financial security, requiring careful consideration of coverage terms and elimination periods. Notable Quotes:"Pause for a moment and ask yourself, where are all the potential risks in my life?" – Amy Irvine"Replacement value covers the cost to replace something at today's prices." – Amy Irvine"Liability coverage is one of the most important components of an auto policy." – Amy Irvine"Think about your future living arrangements, your caregiving preferences, your funding sources." – Amy Irvine"These checklists can be incredibly valuable when reviewing your overall financial plan." – Amy Irvine Resources:Rooted Planning Group: Rooted Planning Group Website for downloadable checklists and further resources.WHAT ISSUES SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING DISABILITY INSURANCE?WHAT ISSUES SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN REVIEWING MY HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES?WHAT ISSUES SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN MY EXISTING LIFE INSURANCE POLICY?WHAT ISSUES SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE?WHAT ISSUES SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN REVIEWING MY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE POLICIES?Contact Emails: Reach out to the podcast team via moneyroots@rootedpg.com or info@rootedpg.com for inquiries or suggestions. Ensure you listen to the full episode to enrich your financial knowledge and stay grounded in effective planning strategies. Keep an ear out for more insightful content in future Money Roots episodes.

    8 min
  3. FEB 11

    Protecting Your Wallet: The Lowdown on Insurance

    About the Guest(s):Meaghan Dowd is a seasoned insurance expert with a deep passion for risk management and proactive financial protection. She began her career in the insurance brokerage industry, focusing primarily on high-end coverage solutions before transitioning to HolistaPlan, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing insurance analysis software. Meaghan's career is distinguished by her commitment to elevating advisors' capabilities in insurance planning, having successfully leveraged her expertise to help advisors integrate comprehensive insurance reviews into their client service models. Episode Summary:Join Amy Irvine, CEO and founder of Rooted Planning Group, as she welcomes insurance specialist Meaghan Dowd to the Money Roots podcast for an enlightening discussion on the often-overlooked aspects of financial planning: protection products. In this episode, Amy and Meaghan explore the crucial role that home, auto, and liability insurance play in safeguarding one's assets and income. Meaghan shares her journey into the insurance industry, emphasizing the proactiveness of risk management and how crucial it is to have the right insurance policies in place to prevent financial disasters. As the conversation unfolds, the focus shifts to the intricacies of insurance policies, from understanding the difference between replacement and actual cash value to recognizing the importance of stress-testing your insurance coverage. Meaghan outlines common oversights, such as disregarding liabilities attached to lifestyle choices, including pool installations, board memberships, and motorized vehicle ownership. The episode underscores how vital it is to maintain regular communication with your insurance agent and how choosing the right insurance partner can drastically affect the claims process and overall satisfaction. These insights promise to offer listeners practical guidance on ensuring they are adequately prepared for the unexpected. Key Takeaways:Understanding the need for the right type of insurance coverage is essential for transferring risk and protecting both assets and income.Differences between replacement cost and actual cash value can significantly impact claim payouts and should be carefully considered in policy selection.Regularly reviewing and adjusting insurance policies to reflect lifestyle changes and potential liabilities can prevent inadequate coverage.The choice of insurance company plays a crucial role in the claims experience and can ultimately influence both financial and emotional outcomes.Engaging with your insurance agent annually can help align your coverage with any changes in your situation, providing peace of mind. Notable Quotes:"Insurance is really planning ahead, where attorneys kind of wait for worst-case scenarios to happen.""It's not just can the insurance write the check for us, but it's can they support me mentally?""You outgrow your coverages, and it might not be because you moved into a new home or bought a new car.""Insurance is not a maintenance program. It is here for those losses that would financially devastate you.""If you are a true collector and you love something, it's important to invest a little bit more so you don't feel that way after the loss." Resources:HolistaPlanRooted Planning Group - Website Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for an in-depth look at these critical insurance considerations and to stay tuned for more insightful discussions on the Money Roots podcast.

    46 min
  4. JAN 28

    Navigating Aging Parent Care: Insights from Annalee Kruger

    About the Guest(s):Annalee Kruger: Annalee Kruger is the president of CareRight Inc., an organization she founded to provide comprehensive planning and concierge consulting services for families with aging loved ones. With a career spanning over three decades, Annalee is a seasoned social worker with experience in working in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). She has authored "The Invisible Patient," a book focusing on the emotional, financial, and physical toll on family caregivers. Annalee’s extensive expertise helps families develop proactive aging plans to avoid crises and maintain healthy relationships. Episode Summary:In this insightful episode of Money Roots, host Amy Irvine welcomes Annalee Kruger to delve into the crucial topic of planning and caring for aging loved ones. The discussion centers on the complex challenges faced by families and caregivers in navigating the often confusing landscape of senior care. Annalee shares her expertise developed over decades in social work and aged care management, which she has now channeled into her role at CareRight Inc. Listeners will gain invaluable insight into the often misunderstood needs of elderly parents and the pressures faced by members of the "sandwich generation" caught between raising their children and caring for aging parents. Annalee emphasizes the importance of proactive aging plans, detailing how her company uses comprehensive care matrices to aid families in making well-informed decisions. From understanding the implications of Medicare and Medicaid to choosing the right care community, Annalee underscores the significance of planning to avoid detrimental mistakes. She also touches on the emotional strain caregivers endure and provides strategies for balancing responsibilities while maintaining their well-being. Throughout the discussion, the need for effective family meetings facilitated by a neutral party is highlighted as a critical component in achieving harmonious care planning. Key Takeaways:Having a proactive aging plan can prevent crises and improve outcomes for families and their senior members.A comprehensive care matrix can save families time and money by identifying suitable care communities and necessary medical resources in advance.The role of the family caregiver often introduces emotional, physical, and financial burdens that necessitate external support and recognition.Effective family meetings led by a neutral third party, like Annalee, can help in bridging the gap between aging parents and their adult children, fostering better aging decisions.The Guide Program introduced by Medicare offers additional support, though limited, for families with loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia. Notable Quotes:"If I could catch these families in the infancy stages [of crises], it's so much better for them.""They don't know what they don't know, and that's why they make incredibly outrageously expensive mistakes.""No parent at the end of their life is like, 'Wow, I'm so glad I put my kids through the ringer.'""If this is interesting to those listening, reach out... Is it important for you to have a say in what happens to you as you age?""Put a plan together so that we prevent that from happening." Resources:Annalee Kruger’s LinkedIn: Follow Annalee for ongoing insights into senior care. (No URL provided)CareRight Inc.: Learn more about Annalee’s services for families with aging loved ones. Visit their website at CareRight Inc.The Invisible Patient: Annalee's book is available on Amazon and Audible for those looking to understand the caregiver's perspective. Listen to the full episode to explore more about navigating the complexities of caring for aging parents, gaining invaluable strategies to ease the caregiving journey, and planning ahead for potential healthcare needs. Stay tuned for more engaging content from Money Roots to keep your finances grounded and your future growing.

    58 min
  5. JAN 14

    Navigating Long-Term Care and Aging Parents in 2026

    About the Guest(s):Amy Irvine is the CEO and founder of Rooted Planning Group, a renowned financial planning firm known for its genuine and practical approach to financial advice. With years of experience as a financial advisor, Amy is dedicated to making money conversations real and relatable, firmly rooted in her clients' goals. Her expertise in financial planning spans across various topics, including retirement and long-term care planning, caregiver coordination, and more. Additionally, she is the host of the popular "Money Roots" podcast, where she shares insights and engages in meaningful discussions about financial strategies and planning. Episode Summary:Welcome to an insightful episode of "Money Roots" with Amy Irvine. In this episode, Amy delves into the crucial topic of long-term care planning and aging parents, addressing the concerns and questions that often emerge during the holiday season. As families gather, many realize the evolving caregiving needs of their elderly parents, and Amy offers valuable guidance on planning for these eventualities. Amy references the book "Hidden Truths about Retirement and Long Term Care" to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding long-term care, emphasizing that it spans far beyond nursing homes. She explores alternatives like aging in place and assisted living, highlighting the importance of having a solid financial plan to cover these options. Amy also discusses how aging individuals often downplay their needs, sharing anecdotes that illustrate this tendency. Through stories and statistics, she underscores the significance of addressing both physical and mental well-being as families navigate the complexities of caring for aging loved ones. Key Takeaways:Long-term care is more than nursing homes: It includes a spectrum of services, from home health care to assisted living, aimed at maintaining an individual's independence and safety.Recognizing the signs of aging: Often the need for additional help becomes evident during family gatherings, making it essential to observe and address any caregiving requirements.Communication is key: Having open discussions with aging parents about their needs and introducing help, sometimes with outside assistance, can facilitate smoother transitions.Early planning eases future challenges: Documenting preferences and planning financially for long-term care can prevent future family disputes and emotional stress.Utilizing resources: Books, experts, and structured programs are available to guide families through caregiving decisions and planning. Notable Quotes:"Long term care is more than nursing home." - Amy Irvine"Basically, the same age as maybe even older than some of the people that were in there, and she refers to them as the old people." - Amy Irvine"We need to be thinking about their physical strength and their mental strength." - Amy Irvine"She had such a great relationship with the caregiver that we ended up bringing in." - Amy Irvine"We need to bring in outside influences to help them." - Amy Irvine Resources:Rooted Planning Group"Hidden Truths about Retirement and Long Term Care" - A recommended book for both financial advisors and individuals looking to understand long-term care planning.AgingInvestor.com - A helpful website for additional resources on aging and long-term care planning. For more in-depth discussions and insights, be sure to listen to the full episode of "Money Roots." Stay tuned for future episodes featuring expert guests who will provide guidance on planning effectively for life's anticipated and unanticipated financial challenges.

    14 min
  6. 12/26/2025

    End-of-Year Financial Checklist for a Prosperous 2025

    About the Guest(s):The episode is hosted by Amy Irvine, a financial expert and part of the Money Roots podcast team. Amy Irvine, along with her team, is dedicated to making financial conversations real, relatable, and oriented around personal goals. Although the transcript doesn't detail Amy's professional history, her knowledge and expertise in financial planning and investment strategies are evident throughout the episode. Her commitment to helping listeners understand and manage their finances optimally is demonstrated through her thoughtful advice and insights. Episode Summary:In this insightful episode of the Money Roots podcast, host Amy Irvine walks listeners through essential financial actions to consider before the end of 2025. As the year draws to a close, the episode aims to equip the audience with practical advice to optimize their financial standing and prepare for future growth. Amy covers a breadth of topics, including asset management, tax planning, retirement contributions, and charitable donations, offering a wealth of information to guide listeners through pivotal year-end financial decisions. Throughout the episode, Amy emphasizes the importance of strategically managing assets and debt. She discusses the potential benefits of realizing capital losses to offset gains and highlights how certain mutual funds could impact tax obligations. Capital gain distributions and estimated tax payments are also discussed, providing listeners with key insights on minimizing year-end tax liabilities. Moreover, the host delves into retirement planning strategies, advising on required minimum distributions (RMDs), conversions between traditional and Roth IRAs, and intra-plan conversions within 401(k) plans. Her recommendations aim to maximize retirement savings while minimizing potential tax burdens. Key Takeaways:Realize capital losses to offset gains and consider potential capital gain distributions in taxable accounts.Meet required minimum distributions (RMDs) for both personal and inherited IRAs before year-end to avoid penalties.Evaluate opportunities for Roth conversions and strategic retirement contributions while considering future income levels.Engage in tax planning by capitalizing on qualified charitable donations and understanding adjustments such as IRMAA.Explore financial planning for education through 529 plans and business strategies like the QBI deduction. Notable Quotes:"You can even write off up to $3,000 of ordinary interest if you have a capital loss totaling of 17,000.""Make sure that you take that RMD before the end of the year. RMDs from multiple IRAs can generally be aggregated.""If you are over 70 and a half, you can make what's called a qualified charitable donation from your retirement IRA account.""Using those qualified charitable distributions can be a big help to reduce that adjusted gross income.""Consider the financial aid planning strategies such as reducing income in specific years to increase financial aid packages." Resources:What Issues Should I Consider Before The End of 2025 Checklist We encourage your continued engagement with Money Roots by tuning into the full episode to benefit from Amy Irvine's expert financial guidance. Stay connected for more insightful episodes to keep your finances grounded and your future growing.

    14 min
  7. 11/19/2025

    Child-Free & Prepared: Maddy Roche on Building Your Safety Net

    About the Guest(s):Maddy Roche - Maddy handles all marketing, growth, and prospect engagement for Childfree Trust® - the first nationwide medical and financial POA, executor and trustee representation service for the Childfree population. She understands the challenges of being Childfree as it relates to estate planning and is passionate about educating her community about ways to prepare. Before joining Childfree Trust®, she was XYPN’s first employee and host of XYPN's podcast Behind the Advisor. In her previous roles as Vice President and Executive Business Coach, she helped build and lead the departments that deepen XYPN’s membership value. Maddy has seen, heard, and helped thousands of financial planners throughout their entrepreneurial journeys with energy, expertise, and compassion. Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode of Money Roots, host Amy Irvine is joined by Maddy Roche, Chief Growth Officer at Child Free Trust, for an in-depth discussion on a timely financial planning topic: estate planning for child-free individuals. Maddy's expertise comes to the forefront as they explore the common misconceptions surrounding estate planning for those without children, emphasizing the need for a structured plan to safeguard one's legacy. This conversation is critical for the 25% of Americans who lack children, whether by choice or circumstance. The conversation delves into the innovative solutions offered by Child Free Trust, a groundbreaking initiative poised to fill the "fiduciary void" faced by child-free adults. By January, the organization will officially provide nationwide services as medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, executor, and trustee, uniquely catering to the 15 million Americans over 55 without children. Amy and Maddy discuss the substantial need for such services and how the digital platform will facilitate critical information sharing across all 50 states, ensuring individuals have someone to rely on in times of medical emergencies, cognitive decline, or death. This episode shines a light on the future of estate planning, presenting options for those who previously had limited solutions. Key Takeaways:Child Free Trust offers the first nationwide estate planning service tailored for individuals without children.Estate planning isn't just about preparing for death; it's also about emergency preparedness for medical situations and cognitive decline.The service covers all 50 states, providing comprehensive solutions that include medical and financial power of attorney, executor, and trustee roles.Many child-free individuals face the "fiduciary void," lacking a designated representative to act on their behalf amid emergencies.Maddy emphasizes the importance of removing emotional biases in decision-making, opting for professional, impartial third-party services. Notable Quotes:"A lot of people say, oh, it must be so easy to plan for estate planning purposes when you don't have kids. I'm like, yeah, like, who do you leave your stuff to? It's actually a big problem." – Amy Irvine"There are 25% of Americans that don't have kids either by choice or by circumstance." – Maddy Roche"15 million Americans over 55 don't have children. It's a huge market; it's a huge underserved market in so many ways." – Maddy Roche"We really try to neutralize some of this ahead of time, and working with a planner like you can help." – Maddy Roche"This takes that out and there's continuity, so it doesn't matter if there's any health events, there's that continuity of care that continues." – Amy Irvine Resources:Child Free Trust – Offering estate planning services tailored for child-free individuals.XY Planning Network – Where Maddy Roche previously provided her strategic planning expertise. The comprehensive insights provided by Amy Irvine and Maddy Roche in this episode of Money Roots highlight the critical importance of estate planning for child-free individuals. To gain a deeper understanding of this transformative service and its impact, be sure to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more important discussions from the Money Roots podcast.

    27 min
  8. 10/29/2025

    Defining the True Purpose of Financial Planning with Flexibility

    About the Guest(s):Amy Irvine is the CEO and a financial planner at Rooted Planning Group. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Amy has dedicated her career to making financial planning accessible and relatable. Her approach is deeply personalized, focusing on the unique goals and values of each client, which she believes are essential to effective financial planning. Amy is committed to guiding her clients through financial literacy and helping them achieve their ideal financial futures. Episode Summary:In this episode of the Money Roots podcast, Amy Irvine delves into the essential purpose and process of financial planning. She addresses common questions about why financial planning is worth undertaking and how it can profoundly impact personal finance decisions. Drawing from her extensive experience, Amy emphasizes the individuality of financial planning, asserting that its purpose is rooted in each person's unique goals and desires for their life, free from financial barriers. Amy outlines the seven-step financial planning process as defined by the CFP Board, highlighting the importance of understanding personal and financial circumstances as a key component. The episode provides a deep dive into each step—gathering information, identifying goals, analyzing current actions, developing recommendations, and continuous monitoring. By doing so, Amy aims to demystify financial planning and encourages flexibility, acknowledging that goals can evolve and adapt over time. This adaptability represents the true purpose of financial planning: to provide a framework that flexes with life changes and helps individuals navigate their financial paths more confidently. Key Takeaways:Financial planning should be personalized to align with individual goals and values, ensuring it addresses what truly matters to the client.The seven-step financial planning process serves as a guide to gain clarity on financial decisions and adapt to life changes.Financial goals are not static; it's normal for them to evolve, and planners are there to help clients navigate these changes.Discussing and analyzing different financial scenarios enables clients to choose optimal paths that resonate with their values, even if the optimal numerical solution is different.Continuous monitoring and updating of the financial plan are crucial, as they accommodate life's changes and ensure the plan remains relevant and effective. Notable Quotes:"Understanding the person is the key component to financial planning.""The purpose of financial planning is the ability to actually be flexible if things change.""Identifying and selecting goals doesn’t mean they’re written in stone.""The most optimal recommendation isn't necessarily what you'll want to choose, and that's okay.""The pivoting and the shifting, to me, is the true purpose of financial planning." Resources:CFP Board's Guide to the Seven Steps of Financial Planning Process Encouraged by Amy Irvine's expert insights, listeners are invited to explore the full podcast episode to gain a complete understanding of the robust financial planning process. Stay tuned for further episodes of the Money Roots podcast, designed to keep your finances grounded and your future flourishing.

    15 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Money Roots," the podcast where personal finance becomes personal. Join host Amy Irvine, CEO of Rooted Planning Group, as she demystifies the world of finance and makes it approachable for everyone, from beginners to financial experts. In each episode, Amy and her guests dig deep into the financial soil, planting the seeds of financial knowledge and helping you nurture your financial future. Whether you're looking to build a solid budget, invest wisely, or plan for retirement, "Money Roots" has you covered. Get ready to explore practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert insights that will empower you to take control of your financial destiny. It's time to grow your money roots and thrive financially! Subscribe to "Money Roots" now and join Amy on this exciting journey to financial empowerment. Let's put down some roots and flourish together.