Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

Matt Meline, CFP
  • 5.0 (1)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast is designed to explore the financial and emotional issues of life's second half. From paying for college to dealing with aging parents, empty nesting, navigating careers, dealing with taxes, and getting ready for retirement, we share experiences, ideas, and a platform to celebrate what we believe is one of the most exciting periods of your life.Registered Representative of Sanctuary Securities Inc. and Investment Advisor Representative of Sanctuary Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member. SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisor, LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. PrairieFire Wealth Planning is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.

  1. APR 24

    Stop Guessing, Build a Smarter Retirement Plan

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Meline breaks down a powerful concept that can transform how you experience retirement: the “Permission to Spend” framework. After years of disciplined saving, many empty nesters still struggle to enjoy their money. Instead of feeling freedom, they feel hesitation — constantly questioning whether they’re spending too much, too soon. Matt explains how this mindset often comes from a lack of structure, not a lack of savings. Using a simple yet impactful example, he compares two retirees with identical portfolios—one without a strategy and one with a tax-smart withdrawal plan. The difference? Hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime taxes… and a dramatically different retirement experience. This episode walks through how coordinating income sources, managing tax brackets, and timing withdrawals can help reduce tax burdens and create clarity around what you can safely spend. The result is a plan with guardrails — giving you the confidence to enjoy your retirement without second-guessing every decision. If you’ve been playing it safe but wondering if you could be living more fully, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible. Digital Asset Download the Empty Nest Success Checklist https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights  The “Permission to Spend” mindset  Why retirees often still feel financial scarcity  Example: two retirees with identical portfolios but different outcomes  The cost of not having a tax strategy  How strategic withdrawals can reduce lifetime taxes  What the Permission to Spend framework solves  Building spending guardrails (high vs. low ranges)  Coordinating income sources, taxes, and timing  Using Roth accounts to manage tax brackets  Why asset location matters for tax efficiency  Tax diversification for flexibility in retirement  “Bracket-busting” strategies explained  Roth conversion opportunities (ages 60–73)  Capital gains harvesting strategies  Charitable giving and tax efficiency  Reviewing your tax return for planning opportunities  Creating a retirement tax plan  Adjusting spending during market volatility  Final thoughts: building confidence through planning April's LIVE Webinar Kickstart Your College Planning Journey with The PFW College Money Plan 📅 Wednesday, April 15 🕚 11:30am CST Planning for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this webinar, we’ll walk you through a smarter, more strategic way to approach college funding — without sacrificing your retirement goals. 👉 Register here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/ — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    18 min

  2. APR 10

    The Retirement Problem No One Talks About: Spending

    Notes: In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Meline tackles one of the biggest — and most overlooked — challenges in retirement: spending with confidence. After years of saving, many empty nesters still hesitate to enjoy their money. Why? Because uncertainty around taxes, withdrawals, and timing creates fear of making a costly mistake. Matt introduces the “Permission to Spend” framework — a tax-smart strategy designed to help you turn your savings into reliable income while minimizing unnecessary taxes. Through real-life examples and practical insights, he explains how coordinating your withdrawals across different accounts can actually increase your spending power — and your peace of mind. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really afford to enjoy this?” — this episode is for you. Digital Asset Download the Empty Nest Success Checklist https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights Why spending—not saving—is often the hardest part of retirement The fear of running out of money Real-life case study: $2.5M saved, but hesitation to spend The hidden tax problem in many retirement plans How a tax strategy can significantly increase annual spending What “Permission to Spend” really means The three key drivers: income, taxes, and timing Why most retirement plans overlook tax strategy Understanding the four tax buckets Traditional IRAs & 401(k)s (tax-deferred growth) Roth accounts (tax-free income strategies) Brokerage accounts (flexibility and control) Social Security and its hidden tax impacts Mistake #1: waiting too long to withdraw IRA money Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and tax spikes Mistake #2: missing Roth conversion opportunities Mistake #3: triggering unnecessary capital gains Final thoughts: turning savings into confident income Upcoming LIVE Webinar Kickstart Your College Planning Journey with The PFW College Money Plan 📅 Wednesday, April 15 🕚 11:30am CST Planning for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this webinar, we’ll walk you through a smarter, more strategic way to approach college funding — without sacrificing your retirement goals. 👉 Register here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/ — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    21 min

  3. MAR 27

    The Legal & Financial Guardrails Every Sandwich Generation Family Needs

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Moline continues the conversation around caring for aging parents — but this time, he dives deeper into the legal, financial, & family dynamics that can either create clarity… or chaos. What’s the difference between a power of attorney and a healthcare directive? Why do unequal sibling dynamics create so much tension? And how do you help mom & dad without jeopardizing your own retirement? Matt walks through the practical guardrails every empty nester needs — from understanding legal documents to protecting your retirement accounts from emotional withdrawals. Because retirement is a non-renewable asset, & helping without a plan can unintentionally create long-term damage. This episode is about leading with compassion — but also with structure. Saying yes with a plan. Protecting your future while honoring your parents. If you’re part of the sandwich generation, this one is essential listening. Digital Asset Download the Empty Nest Success Checklist https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights  How to start the conversation without creating conflict (“throwing an elbow”)  Why legal documents matter more than most people realize  Power of attorney explained (financial authority)  Healthcare directives and medical decision-making authority  Why it’s essential to have both documents in place  Real-life example: cognitive decline and managing finances  Real-life example: stroke and the need for medical advocacy  The unequal sibling dynamic—and how to manage it  Divide-and-conquer strategies based on geography  The difference between financial help and emotional labor  Why retirement should be treated as a non-renewable asset  One-time financial help vs. ongoing commitments  The tax implications of tapping retirement accounts  How to say yes with a plan instead of reacting emotionally  Conversation starters that build trust and clarity  Final thoughts: protecting your future while helping theirsUpcoming LIVE Webinar Taxes and Permission to Spend: A Smarter Retirement Strategy for Empty Nesters 📅 Tuesday, March 18th 🕚 11:30am CST If you’re asking: “Is my money in the right tax bucket?”“How do I create clarity around withdrawals?”“Can I spend more confidently without fear?”This webinar will walk you through how tax-smart planning creates a true “permission to spend” framework — so you can replace retirement anxiety with confidence. 👉 Register here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/ — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    13 min

  4. MAR 13

    Caring for Aging Parents Without Sacrificing Your Retirement

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Moline turns the focus to a deeply personal and often emotional topic: caring for aging parents without sacrificing your own financial future. As part of the “sandwich generation,” many empty nesters find themselves balancing support for adult children while quietly stepping into a new role with their own parents. Matt explores how to approach this season intentionally — not reactively — and how to build financial and emotional guardrails that protect both generations. From healthcare planning and housing decisions to elder fraud protection and difficult family conversations, this episode provides practical strategies to help you lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence. Because helping your parents isn’t just about writing a check — it’s about planning wisely, protecting your future, and honoring theirs. Digital Asset Download the Empty Nest Success Checklist https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights  Why helping aging parents requires patience and awareness  The emotional weight of the sandwich generation  Why this topic can be more complex than helping adult children  Reactive vs. intentional financial support  Building guardrails into your retirement plan  Understanding healthcare needs: medical vs. custodial vs. long-term care  Conversation starters that reduce conflict  Housing decisions: aging in place vs. transitioning  The hidden costs of staying at home as parents age  Why Medicare doesn’t cover everything  Understanding your parents’ income and expenses  Generational differences in talking about money  Reviewing financial statements and spotting red flags  Protecting parents from fraud and financial scams  Warning signs like title fraud, unusual withdrawals, and elder abuse  Final thoughts: helping with clarity instead of panicUpcoming LIVE Webinar Taxes and Permission to Spend: A Smarter Retirement Strategy for Empty Nesters 📅 Tuesday, March 18th 🕚 11:30am CST If you’re wondering: “Is my money in the right place tax-wise?”“Can I actually afford to spend more confidently in retirement?”“How do I create clarity instead of anxiety around withdrawals?”This webinar is for you. 👉 Register here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/ — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    19 min

  5. FEB 20

    Helping Your Adult Children Without Guilt

    In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, financial planner Matt Meline tackles one of the hardest challenges empty nesters face: how to help adult children without guilt, resentment, or financial damage to your own future. Matt walks through the heart of the Permission to Help framework — learning how to say yes strategically, no without guilt, and use financial leverage wisely when needed. From weddings and cars to kids moving back home, this episode offers real-life examples and practical guardrails that replace emotional reactions with clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with repeated rescues, open-ended help, or the tension of the sandwich generation, this episode will help you protect your retirement while still being a loving, supportive parent. Join us as we explore how to help with intention, boundaries, and a plan — so this season of life truly becomes your next great chapter. Digital Asset Download the Helping Adult Children Checklist (2026 Edition) https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights Replacing Guilt with Clarity When Helping Adult KidsWelcome to Empty Nest Full PocketsThe Permission to Help Framework ExplainedSaying Yes Strategically (Not Emotionally)Lifestyle Requests vs. Real NeedsHow to Respond Without Fixing the ProblemWhy Repeated Rescues Delay RetirementThe Reality of Adult Kids Living at HomeWhat the Data Says About Kids Moving Back Home (Pew Study)Setting Milestones and Exit Plans for HelpSmart Gifting Rules Every Parent Should KnowAnnual Gift Limits & Tax ConsiderationsPaying Tuition & Medical Bills the Right WayUsing 529 Plans Strategically (Including Roth Rollovers)When Roth IRAs Can Help — and When They Shouldn’tConversations That Don’t Blow UpAvoiding Lectures, Rescues, and DefensivenessProtecting Your Retirement Without Losing ConnectionFinal Takeaways for Parents of Adult Children I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being part of our podcast journey. If you haven’t already, please subscribe so you never miss an episode — your support truly means everything to us. Let’s stay connected: 🌐 Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ 📧 Email: info@pfwplanning.com Upcoming LIVE Webinar Caring for Aging Parents: How Empty Nesters Can Find Financial & Emotional Balance 📅 Feb 19 at 11:30am CST Register here: 👉 https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/ — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    17 min

  6. FEB 6

    Permission to Help My Adult Children (Without Hurting Retirement)

    In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, financial planner Matt Meline introduces a powerful mindset shift for empty nesters: helping your adult children isn’t the problem — helping without a plan is. We dive into the emotional and financial tension so many parents feel as they navigate supporting adult kids, caring for aging parents, and still protecting their own retirement. Matt shares the “Permission to Help” framework, real-life examples, and practical guardrails to help you support your family without sacrificing your future. If you’re part of the sandwich generation, this episode will bring clarity, confidence, and calm to a season that often feels overwhelming. Join us as we explore how to turn this transition into your next great chapter — with your heart full, your mind clear, and your pockets protected. Digital Asset: Download the Empty Nest Success Checklist https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights Why Helping Without a Plan Creates ProblemsWelcome to Empty Nest Full PocketsThe “Permission to Help” FrameworkThe Emotional Tension of the Sandwich GenerationImagining Life With “You” Back in ItWhy 2026 Is a Different Financial Landscape for FamiliesAdult Kids, Housing Costs, and Student LoansResearch on Parents & Adult Children (Pew Study)The Risk of Small, Unplanned “Yeses”Open-Ended Financial Support & How to Set LimitsCo-Signing Loans, Retirement Raids, and Hidden RisksUsing Home Equity CarefullyAvoiding Sibling Conflict & Unequal HelpHelping as a Mentor, Not a FixerGuardrails That Protect Your FutureFinal Thoughts & TakeawaysI sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being part of our podcast journey. If you haven’t already, please subscribe so you never miss an episode — your support truly means the world to us. Let’s stay connected: 🌐 Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ 📧 Email: info@pfwplanning.com Upcoming LIVE Webinar Caring for Aging Parents: How Empty Nesters Can Find Financial & Emotional Balance 📅 Feb 19 at 11:30am CST Register here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/ — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    18 min

  7. JAN 9

    Maximizing Your Retirement: Tax Strategies for a Secure Future

    In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of retirement income planning, focusing on the strategic order of asset withdrawals to optimize tax efficiency. We discuss the common philosophy of withdrawing from taxable accounts first, followed by tax-deferred and tax-free accounts, and explore the benefits of Roth conversions for long-term tax savings. We also touch on the importance of understanding Social Security benefits and the mindset shift needed to embrace a "permission to spend" approach in retirement. Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ 00:00:00 - Understanding Taxable, Tax-Deferred, and Tax-Free Accounts 00:02:06 - The Benefits of Roth Conversions 00:05:18 - Required Minimum Distributions and Their Impact 00:06:10 - Planning Your Tax Strategy for Retirement 00:07:46 - Assessing Your Financial Buckets 00:08:59 - Maximizing Social Security Benefits 00:10:02 - Adopting a Prairie Fire Mindset for Retirement Spending 00:11:27 - Offering a 20-Minute Consultation for Retirement Planning — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    14 min

  8. 12/26/2025

    Building Your Retirement Paycheck: The Power of Financial Guardrail

    In this episode, Matt Meline, a certified financial planner and founder of Prairie Fire Wealth Planning, delves into the intricacies of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of shifting the focus from the anxiety of running out of money to establishing a structured spending plan. He introduces the concept of "guardrails," which provide retirees with a clear framework for their financial future, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations without panic.  Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ 00:00:00 - Introduction to Retirement Planning 00:01:36 - The Concept of Guardrails 00:02:07 - Meet the Speaker 00:02:48 - Complimentary Guardrail Plans 00:03:42 - Addressing Retirement Anxiety 00:04:44 - Insights from "Die With Zero" 00:06:40 - Defining Guardrails in Retirement Planning 00:07:14 - Case Study: Mike and Sarah 00:10:04 - Projecting Future Income 00:11:36 - Establishing Upper and Lower Guardrails 00:13:00 - Market Corrections and Spending Adjustments 00:14:45 - Flexibility in Spending Plans 00:15:38 - Conclusion: Developing a Guardrail Plan — I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me! I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect: Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ Email: info@pfwplanning.com Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

    15 min
See All (35)

Trailer

About

The Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast is designed to explore the financial and emotional issues of life's second half. From paying for college to dealing with aging parents, empty nesting, navigating careers, dealing with taxes, and getting ready for retirement, we share experiences, ideas, and a platform to celebrate what we believe is one of the most exciting periods of your life.Registered Representative of Sanctuary Securities Inc. and Investment Advisor Representative of Sanctuary Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member. SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisor, LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. PrairieFire Wealth Planning is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Meline, CFP
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
  • Show Website
    Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast