Get Ready: Before Life Happens Podcast

Tony Steuer
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Get Ready: Before Life Happens brings together diverse voices, guides, and changemakers from around the world who are helping people and professionals navigate life’s what-ifs with clarity, integrity and confidence.  Hosted by Financial Readiness Advocate Tony Steuer, the show explores the insights, stories, and tools that strengthen financial readiness and reshape how we think about money, life, aging, caregiving, resilience, and purpose. Want more? Join The Get Ready Movement at www.tonysteuer.com [CLAIM:D51LCAQS]

  1. 2D AGO

    College Planning Made Simple for Divorced & Widowed Parents

    Send us a text 🎙️ On this episode of Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, I spoke with Vicki Vollweiler, founder of College Financial Prep and author of College Planning for Divorced and Widowed Parents, about how families can save money on college while navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce, separation, or loss. 💡 Key Takeaways:  🔹 Bring up college planning in a neutral tone—communication is critical.  🔹 Every college has its own financial formula—some are more generous than others.  🔹 Have a college budget in place before committing to a school. 🔹 Start scholarship searches early to maximize opportunities. 🔹 Include kids in the process—they’ll live with the long-term impact. 🔹 Reducing college costs requires flexibility from both parents and students. 🔹 It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about values, feelings, and goals. Connect with Vicki Vollweiler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-vollweiler/Website: https://www.CollegeFinancialPrep.comFacebook: https://www.Facebook.com/CollegeFinancialPrepInstagram:  @CollegeFinancialPrep Books:   College Planning For Divorced and Widowed Parents: Reduce Stress, Save Thousands and Make Smart Decisions For Your Child's Future (Amazon)📘 Vicki’s book was inspired by client success stories and reminds families that they are not alone—there are proven strategies to lower costs and reduce stress. Podcast: College Financial Prep https://www.collegefinancialprep.com/podcasts Bio:  Vicki Vollweiler, MBA, CDC, the founder and CEO of College Financial Prep, provides a full range of college funding and college admissions services for families as both parents and students prepare to enter college.  Vicki is both a College Planning Expert and a Divorce Financial Coach helping parents to navigate financial aid, scholarships, student loans and college planning.  With her Master's Degree in Business Administration and expertise in analysis, pricing, return on investment, and negotiations, Vicki brings valuable skills to the table. She received her MBA degree from Syracuse University, where she was honored with a Full Merit Scholarship and financial stipends. Before establishing College Financial Prep, Vicki served as a Certified Divorce Coach. As clients began to inquire about affording college costs for their children, Vicki, a divorced mom herself, recognized the goal and challenge of providing the best education while minimizing expenses and reducing student loan debt. To date, many clients have successfully saved thousands of dollars, some saving hundreds of thousands of dollars, with the guidance provided by College Financial Prep. Vicki, a divorced parent, is the proud Mom of two children, one who is now a PhD candidate and one who will be preparing for college shortly.  Her fur baby, Maggie, provides joy to all. Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    36 min

  2. 6D AGO

    How to Build the Investor’s Edge: Smarter Choices in Risk and Reward

    Send us a text On this episode of the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, I spoke with Joseph Pach—author of Building The Investors Edge and Chief Investment Officer of Corcovado Investment Advisors—about building stronger financial decision-making frameworks by understanding risk, opportunity cost, and human behavior. 💡 Key Takeaways 🔹 Opportunity cost is the tradeoff behind every choice you make  🔹 Risk isn’t just theory—it’s the potential downside you must define and prepare for  🔹 Risk asymmetry helps weigh what you stand to gain vs. what you could lose  🔹 Catalysts and patterns shape market outcomes—know how to spot them  🔹 Avoid unnecessary risks by creating calm, intentional decision environments  🔹 Shrink emotional reactions—don’t confuse urgency with importance  🔹 Small, deliberate steps compound into better long-term outcomes Connect with Joseph Pach: LinkedIn (here)Corcovado Investment Advisors, LLC Website (here)The Silver Lining - Substack newsletter (here)   Book: Building the Investor's Edge: How Money Really Works—and How to Make It Work for You (at Any Age) - (Amazon)  Bio:  Joseph Pach is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Corcovado Investment Advisors, a California Registered Investment Advisor serving clients facing complex transitions such as divorce, inheritance, and liquidity events. He brings over thirty years of institutional experience in options trading, global portfolio management, and risk structuring. Joseph began his career as an options market maker on the Pacific Stock Exchange, then spent two decades at Mellon Capital Management (a BNY Mellon subsidiary) as a trader and portfolio manager within the global asset allocation group, contributing to strategies at a firm managing over $400 billion. He now specializes in tax-efficient structuring and tailored asset allocation for high-net-worth individuals and families. Joseph is also the author of a forthcoming book on foundational money skills and decision-making for young adults. Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    40 min

  3. JAN 6

    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Scammers (and How to Outsmart Them)

    Send us a text On this episode of the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, I spoke with Cameron Huddleston, Cathy Sikorski and Neil Granger about The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Scammers. ⚠️ The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Scammers 1️⃣ They Trigger Emotion, Not Logic Scammers know panic overrides reason. They create fear, urgency, or even excitement so you react before you think. 👉 Pause before you act. 2️⃣ They Manufacture Urgency “Act now or lose everything.” Time pressure kills good decision-making. 👉 Slow down. Nothing legitimate requires instant action. 3️⃣ They Exploit Trust and Loneliness Romance scams, fake friendships, and long-game relationships all build emotional leverage. 👉 Connection is good — but verify before you trust. 4️⃣ They Isolate You Scammers tell victims, “Don’t tell anyone.” Isolation keeps control. 👉 Always talk to someone — a friend, advisor, or your bank — before taking action. 5️⃣ They Prey on Greed  “If you act fast, you’ll make money” or “You owe this fee.” They use emotional hooks to justify financial loss.  👉 If it sounds too good — or too urgent — it’s a trap. 6️⃣ They Ask for Odd Payment or Access Non-traceable/vanishing communication channel, gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or requests to click suspicious links — all red flags. 👉 Legitimate organizations don’t demand untraceable payments. 7️⃣ They Use Just Enough Personal Information They’ll share partial info (a birthday, last digits, hometown) to appear credible. 👉 Be skeptical — scammers buy leaked data to sound legitimate. Connect with Cameron Huddleston:  Website: http://cameronhuddleston.com/  (here)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-huddleston-187b633/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronkhuddleston/ (here) Connect with Cathy Sikorski: Website: https://cathysikorski.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathysikorski24/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cathy_sikorskiConnect with Neil Granger: Website - http://www.neilgranger.com/LinkedIn -  Neil Granger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-grangerCameron Huddleston is the author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations With Your Parents About Their Finances. She also is an award-winning personal finance journalist.  Cathy Sikorski , Esq. a Speaker, Elder Lawyer, Author and Media Guest unravels the complex financial and legal problems in the caregiving crisis. Neil Granger has worked with several District Attorney Offices as a member of their Financial Abuse Specialist Teams and works with the Investigative Unit of the California Department of Insurance.  Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    47 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Elevating Financial Voices: Building Community & Credibility with The Plutus Awards

    Send us a text On this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Harlan Landes, founder of The Plutus Foundation and The Plutus Awards, about building community and the world of financial content creation.  💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Media literacy helps us discern trustworthy vs. misleading content  🔹 The Plutus Awards brings awareness of the most impactful and best financial content  🔹 Recognize advantages and disadvantages- that we all come from different places 🔹 You can only grow when you are exposed to stories and life experiences from people who are different than you  🔹 Diverse voices bring perspectives that expand our understanding   🔹 Community offers collaboration, accountability, and diverse perspectives  🔹Take the approach of being the CEO of your own life - make strategic decisions and look into details  📌 Why It Matters: In a world flooded with financial content, credibility and representation are essential. Community ensures that financial literacy remains durable, inclusive, and forward-looking. Connect with Harlan Landes: Harlan Landes Website (here)LinkedIn (here)Plutus Foundation Website (here)Plutus Awards Website (here) Plutus Community (here)Plutus Awards - Instagram - @plutusawards Bio:  Harlan Landes has been creating and managing online communities since 1990 -- prior to the existence of the World Wide Web. He founded Consumerism Commentary in 2003 to hold himself accountable for his finances and build a community focused on important social and personal issues pertaining to money. He founded the Plutus Awards (2008) and the nonprofit Plutus Foundation (2015) to amplify underrepresented voices in the conversation around personal finance and to support creative financial literacy programs throughout the United States. Harlan also has been involved with music and arts education with a focus on the marching performing arts, volunteering at an executive and board level with several organizations in that field. Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    44 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Rethinking Community, Caregiving & Financial Planning with the Midlife Concierge

    Send us a text On this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Merridith Gonzalez, the Midlife Concierge, about how we can all reimagine midlife with honesty, curiosity, and connection—while preparing for the caregiving and financial realities that come with it. 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Midlife is a critical turning point—what served you yesterday may not serve you tomorrow  🔹 Give yourself grace and clarity about who you want to be 🔹 Find a community and people that you can trust  🔹 Don’t be afraid to ask questions—curiosity leads to answers  🔹 Make caregiving (time and money) part of your financial plan  🔹 Work with professionals who listen, are open to new ideas, and act as true advocates 🔹 Build a collaborative team Connect with Merridith Gonzalez: LinkedIn (here)LinkedIn Business Page: (here)Facebook Business Page: (here) Chat Series: "Hot Flashes + Cool Chats”MG Trusted Alliance Website (here)Proverbs Financial Website (here) Mamas and Menopause (Facebook Group)Chat series: "Woman to Woman" Bio:  Merridith Gonzalez is a Certified Long-Term Care Specialist and Health & Wealth Concierge who empowers women in midlife to confidently navigate their health, financial planning, and caregiving responsibilities. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and wellness, she specializes in long-term care, disability income planning, cognitive health awareness, and menopause support. Merridith connects clients with trusted professionals and coordinates essential resources to create personalized strategies that promote independence, financial security, and generational stability. Disclosure: Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. Proverbs Financial & Insurance Services is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Guardian. This material is intended for general use. By providing this content The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and your financial representative are not undertaking to provide advice or make a recommendation for a specific individual or situation, or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. CA Insurance License Number - 4085903. Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    36 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    The Power of Money Conversations: Emotions Over Dollars

    Send us a text On this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with BatSheva Goldstein, creator of the Financial Date Discussion Cards, about why money conversations are really about trust—not just dollars. 💡 Key Insights: 🔹 Why money conversations are more about emotions than math  🔹 How childhood experiences shape how we talk about—and handle—money  🔹 The importance of shifting focus from dollars to the “why” behind them 📌 Why It Matters: Money talks can strengthen relationships when they move beyond numbers into values, fears, and hopes. BatSheva shows us that clarity and connection—not perfection—are what truly build financial trust. ✅ Action Steps: 🔹 Try a values-based money conversation with your partner or family this week with the Financial Date Discussion Cards (see show notes for details)>   🔹 Reflect on what you grew up learning about money—and how that shapes your current mindset 🗣 Tony’s Take: “Money is not a pass/fail test. BatSheva reminds us that real security comes from clarity—knowing what’s important and letting money serve those goals.” Connect with BatSheva Goldstein: LinkedIn (here) Financial Date Discussion Cards Website (here) Bio:  BatSheva Goldstein is an investment advisor, financial planner, and CFO at Profile Investment Services. She’s also the creator of FinancialDate™ Discussion Cards, a tool to help couples have easier, more meaningful money conversations.  BatSheva believes money talk isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding what money means to each person and how that shapes a life together. Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    34 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    What Parenting Can Teach Us About Money

    Send us a text Changing the way we think (and talk) about money—by connecting parenting, patience, and lifelong learning. 💡 Key Insights: Parenting skills and money management share the same foundations: patience, long-term thinking, and communication.Financial confidence comes from effort and learning—not knowing everything upfront.Acknowledging “you don’t know what you don’t know” opens the door to better decision-making. 📌 Why It Matters: Your approach to money often mirrors your approach to life. Building patience, focusing on values, and passing financial wisdom to the next generation can strengthen both your finances and your family bonds. ✅ Action Steps: Teach your kids one money value this week—start with patience or long-term thinking.Reflect on one financial lesson you learned from a family member and how it shaped you. 🗣 Tony’s Take: "Whether it’s parenting or investing, focusing on the process—not just the results—creates the most lasting rewards. Connect with Rebecca Gao, Ph.D, CFA, CFP®: LinkedIn (here) Bio:  Rebecca Gao, Ph.D, CFA, CFP® was born in China and came to the United States to pursue her Ph.D. in Economics.  Her journey in America began with the generosity of others—an airline ticket bought for her by a friend and a scholarship that supported her studies.  She was a senior portfolio manager at BNY Mellon for over 20 years and is now a Certified Financial Planner™.   As a mother of two daughters, Rebecca is passionate about parenting:  (1) How to talk so kids will listen and how to listen so kids will talk? (2) How to help parents and kids build a healthy financial future?  She is a speaker, a translator and an author of a parenting book.   Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    44 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    The Power of Financial Knowledge: Making Confident, Stress-Free Money Decisions

    Send us a text On this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Miguel Ferreira, creator of the Finance For All program, about why financial literacy is the foundation for making confident, informed decisions—and how it helps reduce stress, increase awareness, and improve long-term outcomes. 💡 Key Takeaways 🔹 Financial literacy empowers optimal decisions 🔹 Smart choices reduce financial stress 🔹 Money stress impacts well-being 🔹 Talking about money breaks stigma 🔹 Confidence starts with financial knowledge 🔹 Plans need regular check-ins 🔹 Insurance is a key building block 🔹 Your financial needs will evolve—what’s optimal changes over the life cycle. Connect with Miguel Ferreira: LinkedIn (here)Website - Miguel Ferreira (here)Website - Finance For All (here) Bio:  Miguel Ferreira is the BPI | Fundação “la Caixa” Chair Professor of Responsible Finance at Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE). He is the Vice-Dean of Faculty and Research at Nova SBE, Director of the Nova Finance Knowledge Center, and Coordinator of the financial literacy program “Finance for All”. He is also a research associate of the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) and a research fellow of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). He has a PhD in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master in Applied Economics from Nova SBE, and a Bachelor in Business from ISCTE-IUL.   His research interests include household finance, corporate finance, and sustainable finance. His research has been published in academic journals including the American Economic Review, Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, and Management Science. He is among the top 100 most prolific authors in the top three finance journals of all time in the world, and he is the most cited Portuguese economist since 2000. He has been a recipient of several research grants and awards, including the European Research Council (Starting and Advanced Grants), La Caixa Foundation Social Research Call, and Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia grant. He was the President of the European Finance Association.   He teaches corporate finance in the bachelor's program. He is also an independent board member at BPI Asset Management and a scientific advisor for economic studies at Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos. He has extensive experience in teaching in executive education programs and as an expert witness and consultant for companies, financial institutions, central banks, and government agencies. Support the show The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    28 min
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Get Ready: Before Life Happens brings together diverse voices, guides, and changemakers from around the world who are helping people and professionals navigate life’s what-ifs with clarity, integrity and confidence.  Hosted by Financial Readiness Advocate Tony Steuer, the show explores the insights, stories, and tools that strengthen financial readiness and reshape how we think about money, life, aging, caregiving, resilience, and purpose. Want more? Join The Get Ready Movement at www.tonysteuer.com [CLAIM:D51LCAQS]

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