Navigating an Abundant Retirement with Carol Dewey

Carol Dewey
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Hey! This is Carol Dewey I’m excited to be bringing you Navigating an Abundant Retirement. This show is going to be your GPS to the principles to create a more worry-free retirement with less stress…... In this podcast you will: 1. Get crystal clear on your destination 2. Identify the biggest retirement obstacles retirees now must overcome 3. Gain new mindset to retiring abundantly 4. Have new solution to retiring abundantly AFTER THE EMBRAER 176 touched down at Chicago O’Hare, I put the draft of the manuscript I was finishing on the seat and grabbed my bag from the overhead compartment. “Wow! That’s a wonderful goal,” said the woman in seat 3D. Her comment startled me, and I wasn’t exactly sure what she meant. Until I turned around. She was pointing at the title, Retire Abundantly. To the woman in 3D, the question of how to retire abundantly was a daunting challenge. It is for many people: “Retirement” is a subject that returns 241,000,000 Google results. Two hundred and forty-one million! Our three-legged retirement system, made up of Social Security, pensions, and personal savings, has changed a lot in the past 30 years. Social Security contributes less than it used to, pensions have become 401(k)s, and personal savings aren’t what they used to be, because people are living longer. And worse, traditional financial planning techniques can make this situation worse. Pat advice that doesn’t take into account your goals and situation can cause serious damage to the happiness you should enjoy in your retirement years. No wonder the woman in 3D was struck by my title. You want answers. This podcast can deliver some.

  1. Aug 14

    The Questions Every Widow Is Afraid to Ask

    Many widows carry questions they’re afraid to say out loud about money, making mistakes, trusting others, and what life looks like moving forward. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey brings those questions into the open and explains why being unfamiliar with finances does not mean being incapable. From fears about outliving your money to wondering whether it’s okay to enjoy life again, this conversation is about replacing silence and uncertainty with understanding and confidence. Key TakeawaysWhy being unfamiliar with finances is not the same as being incapableHow fear of making a mistake can keep widows from moving forwardWhat trust should look like when choosing financial and professional guidanceThe difference between worrying about outliving your money and planning for uncertaintyWhy enjoying life again does not mean leaving your spouse behindHow asking difficult questions can create greater clarity and confidence The questions you’re afraid to ask may be the same questions other widows are carrying too. Fear grows in silence, but understanding grows through conversation. Listen & ConnectSpotify – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Apple Podcasts Perpetual Wealth Financial on YouTube: Watch on YouTube

  2. Jul 30

    How Do I Know If I’m Going to Be Okay Financially?

    For many widows, one question can quietly sit behind every financial decision: “Am I going to be okay financially?” In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey explores the difference between financial fear and financial reality—and why confidence doesn’t come from reaching one magic number. It comes from understanding how your income, expenses, investments, taxes, healthcare costs, and goals work together. Key TakeawaysWhy financial insecurity and financial reality aren’t always the sameHow uncertainty can make financial challenges feel bigger than they areWhy confidence comes from understanding the entire financial pictureThe importance of preparing for market and healthcare uncertaintyThe difference between hoping you’ll be okay and knowing why you’ll be okayHow organization, planning, and guidance can help turn fear into confidence The goal isn’t to eliminate every uncertainty. It’s to replace fear with understanding, guessing with planning, and isolation with guidance. Listen & ConnectSpotify – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Apple Podcasts Perpetual Wealth Financial on YouTube: Watch on YouTube

  3. Jul 16

    Why Your Husband's Financial Plan May Not Be Your Financial Plan

    The financial plan you and your husband built together may have been exactly right for the life you shared—but when life changes, your financial plan may need to change too. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey discusses why many widows hesitate to make financial changes after losing a spouse and why adapting your plan isn't about forgetting the past—it's about creating a future that reflects your current life, priorities, and goals. Key Takeaways:Why many widows feel frozen when it comes to financial decisionsHow grief and loyalty can make change feel uncomfortableWhy a financial plan built for two people may no longer fit one lifeThe importance of redefining your own goals and prioritiesHow building financial confidence begins with small, thoughtful decisionsWhy honoring your spouse can also mean creating a plan that supports your future Your financial plan should support the life you're living today—not the life you were living yesterday. Moving forward isn't about leaving your spouse behind; it's about honoring what you built together while creating a future that's right for you. Resources & LinksSpotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  4. Jul 2

    The Hidden Tax Traps Many Widows Never See Coming

    In this episode of Navigating an Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey discusses the tax surprises many widows face after losing a spouse. While income may decrease, tax complexity can often increase because filing status, retirement accounts, Social Security, Medicare premiums, and asset sales may all be affected. Carol explains why widowhood can change the tax environment and why major financial decisions should not be made without understanding the potential consequences. From retirement account withdrawals to Social Security taxation and Medicare premium increases, this episode highlights the importance of asking better questions before taking action. The goal is not to become a tax expert. The goal is to avoid unnecessary surprises and make more confident financial decisions with the right planning and support. Key Topics CoveredWhy taxes may not automatically decrease after losing a spouseHow filing status changes can affect tax brackets and deductionsTax considerations when withdrawing from inherited retirement accountsWhy Social Security may become taxableHow income decisions can impact future Medicare premiumsTax consequences of selling investments, property, land, or a homeThe difference between intentional patience and indefinite avoidanceWhy better questions can lead to better financial decisions Key TakeawayThe biggest tax mistakes widows make are often not caused by bad decisions. They are caused by decisions made without enough information. Understanding the questions to ask before making major financial moves can help reduce surprises and create more confidence. If this episode was helpful, subscribe to Navigating an Abundant Retirement and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing it.

  5. Jun 18

    What Happens Financially During the First Year of Widowhood

    The first year after losing a spouse can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, financial decisions, and the emotional weight of grief, many widows find themselves constantly reacting to responsibilities they never expected to face. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey walks through what typically happens financially during the first year of widowhood—from the first 30 days of stabilization, to the administrative challenges of months two through six, and ultimately the transition from reaction to planning. Key Takeaways:Why the first 30 days should focus on stabilization, not optimizationWhat financial and administrative responsibilities typically arise during months two through sixHow to approach major financial decisions with clarity instead of fearWhy progress doesn't need to be fast to be meaningfulThe transition from reacting to planning for the futureHow confidence gradually replaces fear during the healing process The goal of the first year is not perfection. It is not having every answer. The goal is to build enough clarity and confidence to believe that a good future is still possible—because it is. Resources & LinksSpotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  6. Jun 4

    How to Organize Your Financial Life After Losing a Spouse

    Losing a spouse often means inheriting a new set of responsibilities at a time when you're already carrying the emotional weight of grief. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey discusses why financial organization feels so overwhelming after loss and shares a simple framework for making the process more manageable. Key Takeaways:Why financial paperwork feels emotionally overwhelming after losing a spouseThe difference between financial organization and financial perfectionHow the Four-Pile System can help simplify decision-makingWhy you do not need to become a financial expert overnightThe importance of having the right guide to help coordinate the moving piecesHow clarity creates confidence and confidence creates progress The goal is not to organize paperwork for the sake of organization. The goal is to create enough clarity and confidence that you can get back to living the life waiting on the other side of it. Resources & LinksSpotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  7. May 21

    The First Financial Decisions a Widow Should NEVER Rush Into

    After the loss of a spouse, many widows find themselves facing an overwhelming number of financial decisions at the exact moment they feel least prepared to make them. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey discusses some of the biggest financial decisions widows should never rush into—and why slowing down can often be the smartest financial move. From selling a home too quickly to making emotional investment changes, Carol shares practical guidance to help widows move from uncertainty and pressure toward clarity, confidence, and control. Key TakeawaysGrief affects decision-making, confidence, and concentrationMajor financial decisions rarely need to be made immediatelyPressure often comes from family, advisors, deadlines, and fearSlowing down creates space for better decisionsOrganization should come before actionUnderstanding income and cash flow is essential before making major changesThe right financial guidance provides clarity—not pressure Financial Decisions Widows Should Never Rush Into🏡 Selling the Home Too QuicklyYour home is more than a financial asset. It represents stability, routines, memories, and comfort. Before making a decision to sell, downsize, or relocate, take time to evaluate both the emotional and practical implications. 📈 Making Emotional Investment ChangesFear and uncertainty can lead to drastic investment decisions. Before moving assets, liquidating accounts, or shifting everything to cash, take time to understand what you own, how it works, and how it supports your long-term goals. 💰 Tax Decisions Without Understanding the ConsequencesThe loss of a spouse often changes tax filing status, income thresholds, Medicare premiums, and distribution requirements. Understanding the ripple effects before making decisions can help prevent costly mistakes. 👨‍👩‍👧 Helping Family Too QuicklyMany widows feel pressure to help adult children or distribute inherited assets immediately. Giving yourself time to stabilize your own financial situation first is not selfish—it is wise. 🤝 Trying to Handle Everything AloneFinancial isolation can create unnecessary stress and confusion. The right support system can help you move forward with clarity and confidence during a difficult transition. What to Focus on FirstInstead of rushing into major decisions, focus on: 📋 OrganizationGather and organize: Financial accountsInsurance policiesBeneficiary informationIncome sourcesLegal documents 💵 Understanding IncomeIdentify: Social Security benefitsPension incomeSurvivor benefitsInvestment incomeRequired distributions ⚖️ Legal & Tax CoordinationReview: WillsTrustsBeneficiary designationsPowers of attorneyHealthcare directivesTax implications Core MessageYou do not need to become a financial expert overnight. You do not need every answer today. You simply need a process, a plan, and the right people to help guide you through the next step. Reflection QuestionWhat financial decision in your life right now might benefit from more clarity—and less urgency? LinkedIn-Friendly TakeawayOne of the biggest mistakes widows make is believing they need to have everything figured out immediately. But confidence doesn't come from moving faster. It comes from understanding your options, slowing down when necessary, and making thoughtful decisions from a place of clarity—not pressure. Resources & LinksNavigating Abundant Retirement – Spotify Navigating Abundant Retirement – Apple Podcasts 📺 Perpetual Wealth Financial YouTube Channel Episode Quote"There is no prize for making fast financial decisions while emotionally overwhelmed. The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress with the right support." — Carol Dewey

  8. May 7

    Where Do I Even Start? The First Financial Decisions After Losing a Spouse

    Losing a spouse changes everything and for many women, it also means suddenly stepping into financial responsibilities they never had to manage before. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement, Carol Dewey walks through the emotional and financial realities that often follow the loss of a spouse and explains why the first step is not rushing into major financial decisions but creating clarity, stability, and protection first. Through the story of “Susan,” Carol shares the most common mistakes made during this vulnerable period and offers a calm, structured framework for moving forward with confidence. Key TakeawaysMost major financial decisions should not be made immediately after losing a spouseGrief can affect decision-making and increase vulnerability to pressureSlowing down is often the smartest financial decision you can makeThe early focus should be on:ClarityStabilityProtectionYou do not need to have everything figured out right awayA trustworthy advisor helps you understand options—not pressure you into decisions What Matters Most in the Early Days🔹 ClarityUnderstand: What accounts existHow assets are titledWhat income sources are availableYour current financial picture 🔹 StabilityEnsure: Bills are being paidIncome continues uninterruptedDay-to-day financial life remains manageable 🔹 ProtectionReview: BeneficiariesAsset transfersPotential risks or gaps during the transition A Critical ReminderThis is not the time to make permanent financial decisions based on temporary emotions. You do not need to: Restructure everything immediatelyReinvest account quicklySell major assets right awayRush into commitments You are allowed to slow down and think clearly first. Core MessageThe goal is not perfection. The goal is progress—with the right support, at the right pace. Reflection QuestionAre you making decisions from clarity—or from pressure to feel in control again? One of the biggest mistakes after losing a spouse is feeling pressure to “figure everything out” immediately. But clarity rarely comes from urgency. Sometimes the strongest financial decision is giving yourself permission to slow down, gather information, and move forward one thoughtful step at a time. Resources & Links🎧 Spotify Show, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

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Hey! This is Carol Dewey I’m excited to be bringing you Navigating an Abundant Retirement. This show is going to be your GPS to the principles to create a more worry-free retirement with less stress…... In this podcast you will: 1. Get crystal clear on your destination 2. Identify the biggest retirement obstacles retirees now must overcome 3. Gain new mindset to retiring abundantly 4. Have new solution to retiring abundantly AFTER THE EMBRAER 176 touched down at Chicago O’Hare, I put the draft of the manuscript I was finishing on the seat and grabbed my bag from the overhead compartment. “Wow! That’s a wonderful goal,” said the woman in seat 3D. Her comment startled me, and I wasn’t exactly sure what she meant. Until I turned around. She was pointing at the title, Retire Abundantly. To the woman in 3D, the question of how to retire abundantly was a daunting challenge. It is for many people: “Retirement” is a subject that returns 241,000,000 Google results. Two hundred and forty-one million! Our three-legged retirement system, made up of Social Security, pensions, and personal savings, has changed a lot in the past 30 years. Social Security contributes less than it used to, pensions have become 401(k)s, and personal savings aren’t what they used to be, because people are living longer. And worse, traditional financial planning techniques can make this situation worse. Pat advice that doesn’t take into account your goals and situation can cause serious damage to the happiness you should enjoy in your retirement years. No wonder the woman in 3D was struck by my title. You want answers. This podcast can deliver some.

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