Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

Matt Meline, CFP
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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. 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 00:00:00 – Why Helping Without a Plan Creates Problems 00:01:15 – Welcome to Empty Nest Full Pockets 00:03:10 – The “Permission to Help” Framework 00:05:02 – The Emotional Tension of the Sandwich Generation 00:07:40 – Imagining Life With “You” Back in It 00:10:05 – Why 2026 Is a Different Financial Landscape for Families 00:13:50 – Adult Kids, Housing Costs, and Student Loans 00:16:40 – Research on Parents & Adult Children (Pew Study) 00:19:25 – The Risk of Small, Unplanned “Yeses” 00:21:10 – Open-Ended Financial Support & How to Set Limits 00:25:45 – Co-Signing Loans, Retirement Raids, and Hidden Risks 00:31:30 – Using Home Equity Carefully 00:35:10 – Avoiding Sibling Conflict & Unequal Help 00:38:20 – Helping as a Mentor, Not a Fixer 00:40:45 – Guardrails That Protect Your Future 00:43:30 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways 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 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 12/12/2025

    Spending Strategies and Confidence in Retirement

    In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, we join financial planner Matt Meline as he guides listeners through the essential strategies for achieving financial freedom in retirement. We explore key topics, including managing healthcare costs, navigating inflation, and understanding the importance of tax planning. Matt emphasizes the need for a solid spending plan and encourages listeners to embrace their newfound freedom while ensuring they are prepared for any financial surprises. Join us as we help you turn this life transition into your next great chapter! Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Living Free in Retirement 00:01:24 - Navigating Post-Childhood Financial Concerns 00:02:28 - Long-Term Care and Healthcare Planning 00:03:41 - Understanding Inflation and Market Risks 00:04:34 - Building a Three-Year Financial Plan 00:05:49 - Spending Flexibility in Retirement 00:06:40 - Tax Considerations in Retirement 00:08:38 - Roth Conversions and Charitable Giving 00:10:45 - Legacy Planning and Family Conversations 00:12:51 - Reassessing Your Financial Mindset 00:14:16 - Key Takeaways for a Successful Retirement 00:15:40 - Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Quote Join Us for our LIVE webinar on Dec 10: "Build Your Retirement Paycheck: Spending Guardrails for Empty Nesters.". 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

  5. 11/28/2025

    How to Achieve Financial Freedom in Retirement for Empty Nesters

    In this episode, we discuss the crucial topic of spending in retirement, addressing common concerns about whether individuals are spending the right amount and how to navigate financial fears and guilt. Matt Meline shares insights from his recent keynote at the Arizona Oasis Conference, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from saving to spending with confidence. We explore the need for a comprehensive spending plan that incorporates fixed income sources like Social Security and annuities, as well as investment withdrawals. Additionally, Matt introduces innovative tools that help establish financial guardrails and stress tests, ensuring our listeners can enjoy their retirement without the anxiety of running out of money. Join us as we empower you to embrace the retirement lifestyle you've earned! Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Spending in Retirement 00:01:00 - Conference Experience and Keynote 00:02:00 - The Challenge of Transitioning to Retirement 00:03:30 - The Importance of a Spending Plan 00:05:00 - Understanding Fixed Income Sources 00:07:00 - Annuities as a Safety Net 00:08:30 - Investment Withdrawals and Market Risks 00:10:00 - The 4% Rule as a Guideline 00:11:00 - Introducing New Planning Tools 00:12:00 - Sample Retirement Plan Overview 00:13:00 - Visualizing Spending Capacity and Adjustments 00:14:00 - Conclusion and Importance of a Good Plan Join Us for our LIVE webinar on Dec 10: "Build Your Retirement Paycheck: Spending Guardrails for Empty Nesters.". 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

    15 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    The Empty Nest Means Big Changes | EP4

    What if the silence after your kids leave isn’t emptiness, but your invitation to grow? In today’s inspiring episode, Matt Meline shares a powerful case study for anyone feeling lost, restless, or ready to reinvent themselves after years of putting family first. From letting grief breathe to rediscovering creativity and redefining career purpose, Matt reveals how to turn the empty nest into a season of growth, joy, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever wondered what’s next after raising kids, this one’s your permission to slow down, get curious, and dream again. Press play, feel the shift, and reclaim your spark today. Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode highlights: (1:54) The emotional shock of an empty house (4:28) When career success stops feeling fulfilling (6:19) The turning point: Slowing down to heal (7:48) Grab your free Empty Nest Success Checklist. Your guide to turning an empty nest into your best chapter. https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ (9:08) Dreaming again with your partner (10:57) Three reflections for this next chapter (12:06) Reinvention starts with one small step (13:04) Outro — 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

  7. 10/21/2025

    What Do We Do with The House? Real Estate Decisions for Empty Nesters

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, host Matt Meline helps you navigate one of the biggest questions after the kids move out. Should you downsize, right-size, or stay put? With real-life stories and practical insights, Matt shows how your home decision isn’t just about space, but about shaping the life you want in this next chapter. Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode highlights: (2:51) Memories, meaning, and family attachment (4:36) Financial lens: Mortgages and hidden costs (6:59) Grab your free Empty Nest Success Checklist. Your guide to turning an empty nest into your best chapter. https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ (8:20) Lifestyle fit and future goals (9:38) Timing the market Vs. Timing your life (11:14) Key questions before making a move (13:07) Outro — 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. When Adult Children Need Help: A Parent's Guide | EP2

    10/14/2025

    When Adult Children Need Help: A Parent's Guide | EP2

    Strengthening futures by protecting your own. In today’s episode, Matt Meline unpacks the hidden costs of financial help, from everyday emergencies to big milestones like weddings and first homes. With personal stories and practical strategies, Matt shows how to set healthy boundaries, create mindful giving plans, and protect your retirement without losing your generosity. Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode highlights: (2:52) Why generosity often turns into obligation (4:28) Retirement risks of supporting kids (6:26) Setting boundaries on big expenses (7:20) Grab your free Empty Nest Success Checklist. Your guide to turning an empty nest into your best chapter. https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ (10:12) Creating a mindful giving plan (11:51) Why your security is their gift (12:40) Outro — 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
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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
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
  • Show Website
    Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast