Starting Over at 50

Gabe McManus

Starting over at 50? You don't have to do it alone. Hosted by a divorced dad of three teenage daughters, this podcast delivers expert advice on finance and personal growth. Discover how to thrive in your next chapter with actionable tips from top professionals designed to help you regain your footing and your confidence.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    002: Moving On to Cooler Problems: How to Stop Surviving and Start Thriving at 52 with Stephen Soderstrom

    Episode Overview Host Gabe McManus talks with Stephen Soderstrom, CEO of G4 Wealth Advisors and author of "Paycheck to Prosperity," about moving from financial survival mode to actually thriving. They discuss the CEO checking account, why three years changes everything, and how to practice for problems before they arrive. Key Topics Discussed The Three-Year Transformation Why three years is the sweet spot for meaningful financial progressLong enough for real growth, short enough to envision clearlyHow compounding habits create confidence over 36 monthsSolving Tomorrow's Problems Today Practicing for expenses before they arrive (college, car repairs, emergencies)Treating future costs like current billsBuilding accounts with "high walls" for home, auto, travel, and taxesThe CEO Checking Account Why weekly spending beats monthly budgetingGetting "paid" on Tuesdays instead of Fridays changes everythingKnow if you're winning or losing within a week, not a monthGuilt-free spending when you stay within your numberThe Credit Card Trap Why "I pay it off every month" doesn't mean you're in controlThe psychology of "how did it get so high?"Weekly cash management prevents lifestyle creepBeing Your Own CEO Taking ownership instead of being the "wayward employee"Making tough decisions your future self will thank you forThe empowerment of controlling your financial destinyMoney Without the Marriage Drama Why spreadsheets destroy relationships (and what works instead)The crucial role of third-party advisorsGetting on the same page without conflictThe Sandwich Generation Balancing aging parents, teenage kids, and retirementHaving money conversations with parentsUnderstanding their situation to plan effectivelyThe Inheritance Reality Check "Inheritance is not the retirement strategy, but it could be a retire early strategy"Why more money doesn't fix money problems without skillsThe 16-year-old with a sports car analogyBuilding skills now so you're ready when money arrivesRetirement Mindset Shifts From "I'll work until I die" to "I have choices"Why flexibility matters more than specific retirement agesHow work improves when you don't need the moneyGiving yourself options to avoid "I have to work"The College Decision Helping kids see beyond the bumper stickerWho do you want to be at 27, not just where at 21? Memorable Quotes "If I can just solve the problem today, it won't be a problem tomorrow." "You are the CEO. It's a tough job. But with that job, you've got to make some tough decisions." "The bumper sticker will fade, the flag will fall off, but the debt stays." Resources Book: "Paycheck to Prosperity" by Stephen SoderstromG4 Wealth Advisors, Eden Prairie, MinnesotaSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Connect: gabe@moreclientsmorefun.com

    52 min
  2. 12/22/2025

    001: Divorced, 52, and Drowning in Decisions: How to Afford What Actually Matters with Morgan Nichols

    Episode Overview Join host Gabe (52) as he sits down with Morgan, a 35-year-old financial advisor in Dallas who specializes in helping people live more intentionally through major life transitions. In this candid conversation, they explore the emotional and financial challenges of divorce, raising teenagers, planning for college, caring for aging parents, and building a meaningful legacy. Key Topics Discussed Personal Journey & Philosophy Morgan's path from Pepperdine University to founding Life Branch Wealth PartnersThe coaching approach to financial advising: moving beyond numbers to understand what truly mattersHow childhood experiences with money shape our adult financial behaviorsLife After Divorce Managing the financial and emotional restart at 52Balancing competing priorities: retirement savings vs. creating memories with kidsThe importance of being vulnerable about major life changesRaising Financially Savvy Teens Teaching kids about money through open, authentic conversationsEncouraging early investing habits (Gabe's daughter opens her first brokerage account)Navigating the college decision: aspirational dreams vs. financial realityThe Sandwich Generation Challenge Caring for aging parents while raising teenagersHaving important conversations about inheritances and legacyThe critical importance of self-care when holding everything togetherInvestment Wisdom Why emotional decisions derail investment success (Gabe's Apple stock story)The value of "racehorse money" for individual stock investingTime in the market vs. timing the marketPlanning for the Future Understanding the "go-go," "slow-go," and "no-go" retirement phasesCreating financial plans that accommodate life's unexpected expensesBalancing present experiences with future security Memorable Quotes "At the end of the day, if we're living intentionally in alignment with our values, we'll be happy. We'll feel like our life has meaning." "You can borrow for college, right? You can't borrow for retirement." "I like to think of inheritances as icing on the cake that can help, not something to fully count on." "We've got to focus on you in that middle, saying what are you doing to restore yourself? If I don't get that time for me, it's gonna be a problem." Resources Mentioned Morgan's book: Intentional LegacyLife Branch Wealth Partners  Episode Takeaways Financial planning isn't just about numbers—it's about understanding your values and prioritiesHaving a trusted advisor helps protect you from emotional financial decisionsOpen conversations about money with family members (kids and parents) are essentialPerfect balance doesn't exist, but intentional trade-offs aligned with your values create meaningStarting financial education early with children sets them up for lifelong successSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Connect: gabe@moreclientsmorefun.com

    46 min

About

Starting over at 50? You don't have to do it alone. Hosted by a divorced dad of three teenage daughters, this podcast delivers expert advice on finance and personal growth. Discover how to thrive in your next chapter with actionable tips from top professionals designed to help you regain your footing and your confidence.