Money on Your Mind

Edelman Financial Engines

Each week, EFE financial planners join Dr. Michael Liersch, Chief Planning Officer at Edelman Financial Engines, for conversations about what’s top of mind for clients. They explore common questions, from navigating market volatility to planning major milestones, offering practical guidance and deeper insight into sound financial planning. It’s an ideal listen for a quiet moment and a chance to better understand your financial life. Produced by Edelman Financial Engines. See episode descriptions for more information about this show.

  1. 6d ago

    Ep 37: Who needs life insurance? - with Lakeisha Hill

    Life insurance can be a sensitive, confusing conversation in financial planning. But for financial planner Lakeisha Hill, it is simply too important to put off. In this episode, Lakeisha shares her personal experiences with life insurance and the heartbreaking challenges she’s seen families face due to lack of coverage. She also gives an overview of term life and the expenses it can cover for beneficiaries, as well as a rule of thumb for how much coverage to consider based on your income.  Lakeisha and Michael also discuss the importance of long-term care insurance, sticking to your financial plan during times of uncertainty, and how saving more money today can make it easier to live in the moment.   Related reading: “A Quick Guide to Life Insurance” fromEdelman Financial Engines Head of Insurance Robert Bain https://www.edelmanfinancialengines.com/education/insurance/life-insurance-quick-guide/ Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman FinancialEngines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.    Neither Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. nor any of its advisors sell insurance products. Edelman Financial Engines affiliates may receive insurance-related compensation for the referral of insurance opportunities to third parties if individuals elect to purchase insurance through those third parties. You are encouraged to review this information with your insurance agent or broker to determine the best options for your particular circumstances.  © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced September 2026. AM5923986

  2. Sep 9

    Ep 36: Am I diversified, or disorganized? - with Brian Leslie

    “Diversification” comes up in virtually every financial planning discussion. But what does it look like, really? To financial planner Brian Leslie, diversification without intention is just fragmentation. In this episode, Brian and host Michael Liersch discuss the ramifications of not reviewing your wealth holistically. Because if you’re trying to reduce risk by keeping money in several different accounts with different managers, you may not have a clear view of how you’re really doing. And what’s worse, if someone needs to handle finances on your behalf, the disorganization could delay getting access to the funds you need.   Brian and Michael also talk about how simplifying your finances may help reduce stress by putting you back in control, how people misunderstand good outcomes as good decision making for the long-term, and the rewards of getting your entire financial picture on one page. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks.  Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.  Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performanceand cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.  © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by FinancialEngines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced September 2026. AM5906051

  3. Sep 2

    Ep 35: How can I give money wisely? - with Haley Stinson

    If your financial strategy includes charitable giving, you may have more flexibility for giving than you realize. Financial planner Haley Stinson is on a mission to help people understand their options for—and the advantages of—charitable giving. Together, she and host Michael Liersch talk about the appeal of donor-advised funds (DAF), eligible non-profit organizations, and how to shift your mindset about any guilty feelings regarding the tax benefits of giving. Haley also has guidance about giving generously within your limits, frontloading your giving for a potentially more advantageous tax deduction, and the importance of working with a financial professional for solutions that truly fit you. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman FinancialEngines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell anyproduct and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult afinancial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.    Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances. © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by FinancialEngines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced September 2026. AM 5888470

  4. Aug 26

    Ep 34: Is planning different for business owners? - with Elliot Herman

    Business owners have enough to manage without taking on their own financial planning, too. In this episode, financial planner Elliot Herman shares guidance he gives his business owning clients—many of whom he has supported from launch through growth and success. He and host Michael Lierschdiscuss the importance of assembling a team of professionals to spot issues early and support you to, one day, retire on your terms. They also have thoughts about the unique considerations business owners have when it comes tohiring family, tax planning, and avoiding perfectionism.  Listen for Elliot’s tips about saving for the future (versus sending all of your income back into your business), decoupling your business and personal money, and thoughts on the importance of insurance.   Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.     Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. Allinvestments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.   Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.   © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced August 2026. AM5868226

  5. Aug 19

    Ep 33: How can women find their financial confidence? - with Ashley Decker

    If you’re a woman who doesn’t feel confident making financial decisions, you’re far from alone. According to financial planner Ashley Decker, women often underestimate what they know about money, even if it’s as much as their male counterparts. Ashley wants to help women find their confidence to ask questions and make informed decisions for the future. Because as her real-life examples show, too many women – younger than you might expect – still find themselves facing financial situations they don’t feel prepared to handle. Inthis episode, she and host Michael Liersch discuss the potential domino effect of this phenomenon, including less wealth in retirement for women, who tend to live longer than men. Ashley and Michael also discuss her former life as a pharmacist and why she switched careers, the risk of letting your emotions drive your money moves, and how anyone can start getting motivated to grow their knowledge aboutpersonal finance. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.      Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. Allinvestments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.  © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced August 2026. AM5850804

  6. Aug 12

    Ep 32: How do I balance wants vs. needs in retirement? - with Bruce Smith

    Taking a realistic look at your spending can be hard for anyone. But it’s especially important for those in retirement. And for some people who are already retired, those dream post-working years are costing more than expected. So, what can you do about it? Financial planner Bruce Smith talks to host Michael Liersch about balancing wants versus needs in retirement and how making hard decisions today could prevent more painful decisions tomorrow. Because sometimes, what feels like a “need” may be a “want” in disguise. Bruce and Michael also touch on the common fear of becoming a burden later in life and tips to avoid it, how to be true to yourself in your spending, and the need to adjust your savings mindset as retirement nears. Subscribe to Money On Your Mind so you never miss an episode. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.     Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. Allinvestments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.   © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced August 2026.  AM5831119

  7. Aug 5

    Ep 31: Why is the economy so "weird" right now? - with John McCafferty

    Many investors are feeling a disconnect between positive economic headlines and their own financial reality. In this episode, host Michael Liersch talks with financial planner John McCafferty about why today's economic news feels “off” to so many people, given that markets remain strong and unemployment data appears favorable. John explains how economic statistics, media narratives, and social media can sometimes create confusion when they don't reflect what people are experiencing in their own lives.  John and Michael discuss the importance of viewing financial decisions through the lens of your personal economy rather than reacting to headlines, as well as avoiding common behavioral traps like catastrophizing and delaying action while waiting for uncertainty to pass. Listen now for a fresh perspective on investing through today’s noise. Subscribe to Money On Your Mind so you never miss an episode.  Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.     Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.     Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.   © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced August 2026. AM5808976

  8. Jul 29

    Ep 30: How do I plan for the age of artificial intelligence? - with Aamina Siddiqui

    As AI transforms industries, many people are asking how to plan for a future that includes new risks – and new opportunities. Listen as host Michael Liersch talks with financial planner Aamina Siddiqui about the AI questions herclients are asking, like what happens if AI or offshoring affects your role. She has tips for how to think about your emergency savings in this climate and avoiding having all your wealth locked in retirement accounts if you're over50. Michael and Aamina also dig into why automating your savings and investments, even in small amounts, remains one of the most reliable ways to plan for disruption you can't predict.   Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing.Individual results may vary.    Investing strategies, such as asset allocation,  diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guaranteebetter performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy willoutperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.  ©2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced July 2026. AM5788501

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Each week, EFE financial planners join Dr. Michael Liersch, Chief Planning Officer at Edelman Financial Engines, for conversations about what’s top of mind for clients. They explore common questions, from navigating market volatility to planning major milestones, offering practical guidance and deeper insight into sound financial planning. It’s an ideal listen for a quiet moment and a chance to better understand your financial life. Produced by Edelman Financial Engines. See episode descriptions for more information about this show.