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. 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 00:00:00 – Starting the Conversation Without “Throwing an Elbow” 00:01:15 – Welcome to Empty Nest Full Pockets 00:03:40 – Why Legal Documents Matter More Than You Think 00:06:20 – Power of Attorney Explained (Financial Authority) 00:09:10 – Healthcare Directives & Medical Decision Authority 00:12:45 – Why You Need Both Documents in Place 00:15:30 – Real-Life Example: Cognitive Decline & Bill Management 00:18:40 – Real-Life Example: Stroke & Medical Advocacy 00:22:10 – The Unequal Sibling Problem (And How to Manage It) 00:26:00 – Divide & Conquer: Geography-Based Roles 00:29:20 – Financial Help vs. Emotional Labor 00:32:10 – Retirement Is a Non-Renewable Asset 00:35:00 – One-Time Help vs. Ongoing Commitments 00:38:25 – The Tax Cost of Tapping Retirement Accounts 00:41:40 – Saying Yes With a Plan (Instead of Panic) 00:44:50 – Conversation Starters That Build Trust 00:48:10 – Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Future While Helping Theirs Upcoming 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

  2. 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 00:00:00 – Why Helping Aging Parents Requires Patience & Awareness 00:01:05 – Welcome to Empty Nest Full Pockets 00:03:10 – The Emotional Weight of the Sandwich Generation 00:06:20 – Why This Topic Is Harder Than Helping Adult Children 00:09:00 – Reactive vs. Intentional Financial Support 00:11:45 – Building Guardrails Into Your Retirement Plan 00:14:30 – Healthcare: Medical vs. Custodial vs. Long-Term Care 00:18:10 – Conversation Starters That Don’t Create Conflict 00:22:00 – Housing Decisions: Age in Place or Transition? 00:25:40 – The Hidden Costs of Aging at Home 00:29:15 – Why Medicare Doesn’t Cover Everything 00:32:10 – Understanding Your Parents’ Income & Expenses 00:35:45 – Generational Differences Around Money Conversations 00:38:20 – Reviewing Statements & Spotting Red Flags 00:41:05 – Protecting Parents from Fraud & Financial Scams 00:44:30 – Watching for Title Fraud, Strange Withdrawals & Elder Abuse 00:47:15 – Final Thoughts on Helping with Clarity, Not Panic Upcoming 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

  3. 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 00:00:00 – Replacing Guilt with Clarity When Helping Adult Kids 00:01:20 – Welcome to Empty Nest Full Pockets 00:03:15 – The Permission to Help Framework Explained 00:05:40 – Saying Yes Strategically (Not Emotionally) 00:08:10 – Lifestyle Requests vs. Real Needs 00:11:30 – How to Respond Without Fixing the Problem 00:14:50 – Why Repeated Rescues Delay Retirement 00:17:30 – The Reality of Adult Kids Living at Home 00:20:05 – What the Data Says About Kids Moving Back Home (Pew Study) 00:23:10 – Setting Milestones and Exit Plans for Help 00:26:45 – Smart Gifting Rules Every Parent Should Know 00:29:40 – Annual Gift Limits & Tax Considerations 00:32:10 – Paying Tuition & Medical Bills the Right Way 00:34:50 – Using 529 Plans Strategically (Including Roth Rollovers) 00:38:25 – When Roth IRAs Can Help — and When They Shouldn’t 00:41:10 – Conversations That Don’t Blow Up 00:44:30 – Avoiding Lectures, Rescues, and Defensiveness 00:47:15 – Protecting Your Retirement Without Losing Connection 00:49:40 – Final 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
  • Show Website
    Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast