Her Wealth: Unscripted

Produced by PodTechs
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Welcome to Her Wealth: Unscripted — real conversations about money, life, and the moments that change everything. Hosted by the women of Sorelle Wealth Partners, Susan Jones and Sara Gelsheimer, this podcast is for women navigating life’s transitions: divorce, widowhood, retirement, business ownership, caregiving, and second acts. We talk about the financial decisions that come with real life — with honesty and compassion. No jargon. No scripts. Just steady guidance to help you align your wealth with what matters most. Because it’s more than numbers — it’s the life they make possible. Subscribe for new episodes, practical insights, and meaningful conversations.

  1. 1d ago

    The Stay-at-Home Decision: Financial Protections You Can't Ignore

    Deciding to step away from the workforce to raise a family is one of the biggest transitions a couple can make, but the conversation rarely goes beyond the immediate loss of a paycheck. Have you ever considered the long-term cost of pausing your retirement contributions? Or what happens if your family experiences an unexpected emergency and you aren't dialed into the finances? In this episode, Susan and Sara break down the critical (and often overlooked) financial implications of transitioning to a stay-at-home parent role. In this episode, we cover: The True Opportunity Cost: Why stepping away means giving up much more than just a salary—including benefits, retirement compounding, and Social Security credits. Protecting Your Independence: How to prevent a subtle shift toward "my money vs. your money" dynamics in your marriage. Strategic Gap Planning: The importance of spousal IRAs, maintaining credit in your own name, and securing adequate life insurance. Keeping Your Foot in the Door: Why letting your professional network and licenses expire can make re-entry exponentially harder. Prenups and Postnups: How modern legal agreements can protect the spouse who takes on the unpaid labor of the household. Schedule a "money date" with your partner and use this episode as your guide to ensure your family's financial plan supports the spouse at home just as much as the spouse at work. Chapters: 00:00 - The Stay-at-Home Decision 01:56 - The Financial Ramifications Beyond Salary 04:34 - The Difficulty of Re-Entering the Workforce 07:53 - The Danger of Completely Checking Out Financially 11:59 - Preventing "My Money vs. Your Money" Dynamics 16:26 - Practical Steps to Protect the Non-Working Spouse 18:46 - How Prenups and Postnups Play a Role 22:01 - Final Checklist & Takeaways 👋 What is one financial topic you plan to cover during your next "money date"? Let us know in the comments! 📖 Read more on our blog: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. Full disclosures: https://www.savvywealth.com/disclosure #FinancialPlanning #StayAtHomeMom #HerWealthUnscripted

    The Stay-at-Home Decision: Financial Protections You Can't Ignore

  2. Oct 28

    The Hidden Costs: Career Break & How to Re-Enter on Your Terms

    Stepping away from the workforce to raise a family is a deeply personal decision, but the financial and professional realities of returning are often a shock. Have you ever wondered how to protect your retirement savings during a career pause? Or how to deal with gatekeeping and "mean girls" once you make it to leadership? In this episode, Susan and Sara are joined by Raina Gandhi, founder and CEO of Rising Tide Consulting, to discuss the unfiltered truth about career hiatuses, returning to work, and navigating toxic workplace dynamics. In this episode, we cover: The Reality of Re-Entry: What it really takes to re-enter the workforce after a decade away and overcome the technology gap. Women Bullying Women: Breaking down the scarcity mindset that causes gatekeeping and how to spot a true advocate. The Hidden Cost of Career Breaks: Why stepping back isn't just a loss of current income, but a loss of long-term retirement compounding. Treating the Break Like a Business Decision: How to negotiate spousal IRA contributions and protect your financial independence. Negotiating on Your Own Terms: Why traditional negotiation advice doesn't always work for women and how to use your authentic strengths instead. By learning to advocate for yourself and lift up the women around you, you can stop elbowing for a single seat and start creating more room at the table. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Raina Gandhi & Rising Tide 2:08 - Raina's 11-Year Career Break and Re-Entry 3:38 - Dealing with "Mean Girls" and Workplace Bullying 12:36 - The True Financial Cost of Stepping Away 16:45 - Treating a Career Break as a Business Decision 21:33 - Teaching Financial Independence to Daughters 24:03 - Negotiating as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field Raina Gandhi is the founder and CEO of Rising Tide Consulting and a fierce advocate for women in leadership. With over 25 years of experience across investment banking, consulting, and higher education, she empowers women to rise faster, negotiate effectively, and lead authentically. Contact her at: https://www.risingtideconsultingllc.com/  👋 What was your biggest takeaway from Raina's approach to career re-entry? Let us know in the comments! 📖 Read more on our blog: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fiduciary wealth management firm  fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. Full disclosures: https://www.savvywealth.com/disclosure #WomenInLeadership #CareerBreak #HerWealthUnscripted

    The Hidden Costs: Career Break & How to Re-Enter on Your Terms

  3. Oct 14

    Unmasking Midlife: Late-Diagnosed ADHD & Reclaiming Your Power

    Midlife is complicated enough without carrying the hidden weight of a late ADHD diagnosis, confusing menopause symptoms, or a deep sense of shame. Have you ever wondered why you feel the constant need to over-function? Or how much energy you're spending trying to mask who you truly are? In this episode, Susan and Sara sit down with Ruth Danoff—author, entrepreneur, and founder of Not Ruthless—to discuss her life-changing ADHD diagnosis at age 50 and the messy, empowering journey of unmasking and reinvention. In this episode, we cover: The Power of Unmasking: How a late ADHD diagnosis can change the way you view your past and free your future. Menopause and Neurodivergence: Why symptoms often amplify with age and estrogen loss, and why it feels like a "crapshoot." Slaying the Shame: The parallels between carrying financial shame and health-related shame, and how to finally let it go. Advocating for Your Health: Why you can't always rely on medical professionals and how to fight for the care you need. Re-parenting Yourself: Practical ways to build self-compassion, heal childhood trauma, and embrace your inner "superstar." Whether you're navigating neurodivergence, menopause, or a major transition, you deserve to feel seen, understood, and perfectly comfortable in your own skin. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Ruth's Midlife Reinvention 2:31 - Getting an ADHD Diagnosis at 50 6:49 - The Parallels of Financial & Health Shame 9:08 - The Intersection of ADHD and Menopause 13:33 - Why You Must Be Your Own Health Advocate 20:06 - Re-parenting, Trauma, and Self-Compassion Ruth Danoff is a published author, entrepreneur, inventor, and advocate for women navigating late-diagnosed ADHD and midlife reinvention. She is the author of “Holy ADHD”, founder of the community Not Ruthless, and creator of Arctic Undies. Explore her work at ruthdanoff.com. 👋 What was your biggest takeaway from Ruth's story? Let us know in the comments! 📖 Read more on our blog: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. #LateDiagnosedADHD #MidlifeReinvention #HerWealthUnscripted

    Unmasking Midlife: Late-Diagnosed ADHD & Reclaiming Your Power

  4. Oct 7

    Stop Checking Boxes: The College Cost Conversation You Need to Have

    Preparing for college doesn't have to mean stressful box-checking or draining your retirement savings. It’s time to shift the focus from getting into the most prestigious school to finding the right academic, social, and financial fit. Have you ever wondered why traditional college advice leaves parents feeling overwhelmed? Or how to help your teen discover a career path they actually care about without going into six-figure debt? In this episode, Susan and Sara are joined by Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready, to unpack the strategy behind debt-free higher education. In this episode, we cover: The Problem with High School Counselors: Why leaving your child’s college plan in the hands of a 1-2 meeting system could cost you thousands. Defining the "Best Fit": How to evaluate universities based on academic challenge, social environment, and true financial ROI. Passion with Purpose: The reason colleges are tired of "box-checking" resumes and how to help your child stand out genuinely. Early Preparation Pays Off: Why waiting until junior or senior year to organize your financial and academic plan is a costly mistake. Failing Forward: The importance of letting kids try, fail, and build resilience before they leave the nest. Approaching college preparation as "training for adulthood" will empower your teen and save you from working for free for the next decade. Shellee Howard is the founder and CEO of College Ready, a global college admissions strategist, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker on debt-free education. With over 17 years of experience, she has helped thousands of students secure millions in scholarships. Connect with her at: https://collegereadyplan.com/  Free resources: https://collegereadyplan.com/resources/ Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Shellee's Story 8:03 - Navigating the Flawed Admissions System 14:47 - The Biggest Mistakes Parents Make 20:09 - Understanding the ROI of College 25:02 - Helping Kids Find Their Passion 31:08 - Why "Checking Boxes" Doesn't Work 40:13 - Shellee's Top Advice for Parents 👋 What was your biggest takeaway from Shellee's approach to college planning? Let us know in the comments! 📖 Read more on our blog: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. #CollegePlanning #DebtFreeDegree #HerWealthUnscripted

  5. Sep 30

    Dolly Parton vs. Prince: What Their Estate Plans Teach Us

    When music icons like Dolly Parton and Prince pass away, their legacies extend far beyond their chart-topping hits—they reveal crucial lessons about estate planning. From Prince’s six-year legal battle to Dolly’s intentional, private legacy, how you structure your assets today determines the peace of mind your loved ones experience tomorrow. Have you ever wondered what actually happens to your assets if you pass away without a will or trust? Are you worried that a lack of clear planning could create unnecessary family conflict or public court battles? Or are you unsure how to choose guardians, line up beneficiaries, or keep your financial privacy intact? In this episode, Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP® break down the striking contrast between Prince’s multi-million-dollar intestate nightmare and Dolly Parton’s proactive estate design. In this episode, we cover: The Privacy Power of Trusts: How avoiding public probate protects your personal asset details from becoming court records. The High Cost of Intestacy: Why dying without a will leads to multi-year legal disputes, IRS valuation battles, and massive fees. Planning Without Direct Heirs: How women and single individuals can structure meaningful distributions even without natural beneficiaries. Wills vs. Revocable Trusts: Understanding how a trust provides lifetime incapacity protection while a fallback pour-over will captures stray assets. Better Than the State's Plan: Why making imperfect estate decisions today protects your family better than state law defaults. Preserving Family Harmony: How clear estate documentation functions as a final gift to keep loved ones united. If you don't create your estate plan, the state will create one for you—and stepping up to make decisions today is the ultimate act of love for your family. Chapters:  0:00 - Remembering Dolly Parton's Legacy & Impact 5:01 - Probate & The Privacy Advantage of Trusts 7:18 - Intestacy Laws & Planning Without Direct Heirs 9:38 - Prince's Estate Nightmare: IRS Valuations & 6-Year Disputes 15:41 - Key Differences: Will vs. Revocable Living Trust 18:41 - Managing Lifetime Incapacity with a Trust 19:50 - Overcoming Decision Paralysis & Making Today's Choices 23:48 - Life & Legacy Memos: Organizing Your Estate Details 👋 If this episode resonated, give it a like, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe so you don't miss next week's conversation. 📖 Read our blog for more financial insights: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. #EstatePlanning #FinancialLegacy #HerWealthUnscripted

    Dolly Parton vs. Prince: What Their Estate Plans Teach Us

  6. Sep 23

    Beyond Tax Prep: How Female Founders Can Keep More Wealth with Kimberly Tara

    Many business owners hand over a massive chunk of their hard-earned revenue to the IRS every year simply because no one ever showed them there was a proactive alternative. Are you relying on reactive tax preparation instead of a forward-looking strategy? Are you paying unnecessary penalties on your quarterly estimates or leaving money on the table by missing deductions? In this episode, Susan Jones and Sara Gelsheimer sit down with CPA and Certified Tax Coach Kimberly Tara to break down how women entrepreneurs can stop chasing revenue, take back their financial power, and build long-term wealth through year-round tax strategy. In this episode, we cover: The Engineering Mindset: How a background in chemical engineering shapes a uniquely analytical, puzzle-solving approach to the tax code. Prep vs. Strategy: Why your traditional tax preparer isn't bringing proactive ideas to the table—and how to engage the right professional. Common Costly Pitfalls: The most frequent tax mistakes small business owners make, including missed quarterly estimated payments and untracked expenses. Hiring Thresholds: Knowing exactly when your profit margin signals it's time to outsource to a dedicated tax strategist. Vetting Financial Pros: Red flags to watch out for and key questions to ask when interviewing CPAs and advisors. The Limits of AI: Why relying on ChatGPT or social media trends for tax advice can lead to costly IRS compliance risks. Stop dreading tax season and take control of your numbers to build real freedom. Kimberly Tara, CPA and Certified Tax Coach, is the founder of the Tara CPA firm. She specializes in proactive, year-round tax strategy that helps female entrepreneurs legally keep more of what they earn and turn their businesses into genuine wealth-building machines. Based in Charlotte, NC, Kimberly combines technical rigor with real-talk entrepreneurial experience to help business owners stop chasing revenue and build true financial freedom. Connect with Kimberly: https://taracpafirm.com/  CHAPTERS  0:00 - Introduction & Kimberly’s Unconventional Journey  5:37 - Tax Preparation vs. Proactive Tax Strategy  12:09 - Top 3 Tax Pitfalls Small Business Owners Make 17:03 - When Is Your Business Ready for Professional Tax Help? 19:21 - How to Vet a CPA and Red Flags to Watch For 25:42 - The Pitfalls of Using AI and Social Media for Tax Advice 31:54 - Taking Your Power Back as a Business Owner 👋 If this episode resonated, give it a like, drop a comment with your biggest tax takeaway, and subscribe so you don't miss next week's conversation.  📖 Read our blog for more financial insights: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. #TaxStrategy #WomenInBusiness #HerWealthUnscripted

  7. Sep 18

    What to Do When Your Spouse Never Filed Your Taxes

    Discovering that your spouse hasn't been filing your joint tax returns is a terrifying realization that happens far more often than you might think. Beyond the immediate shock, unfiled taxes create serious legal, financial, and credit risks—especially if you're navigating a high-conflict or toxic divorce. Have you ever assumed your partner was taking care of the taxes, only to realize you have no paper trail? Are you worried that signing off on past tax returns might leave you on the hook for money you don't actually owe? Or are you wondering how unfiled returns could impact your ability to buy a house, rent an apartment, or finalize a divorce settlement? In this episode, Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP® open up about real-world client scenarios involving non-filing spouses, financial infidelity, and the exact steps you can take to protect yourself and reclaim control. In this episode, we cover: The Root of Procrastination: Why tax filing gets put off and how missing a single year spirals into multi-year non-compliance. The e-Filing Blindspot: How modern electronic filing makes it easier for one spouse to conceal unfiled returns. Innocent Spouse Relief: The strict limitations of IRS relief and why it doesn't apply if no return was ever submitted. Uncovering the Truth: How to request your official IRS transcripts online in ten minutes to verify your filing status. Joint vs. Separate Filing: Evaluating Married Filing Separately versus Married Filing Jointly during a divorce transition. Settlement Protections: How to build tax indemnity language into divorce agreements to recover penalties and interest. Every tax problem is fixable, and stepping out of shame is the very first step toward financial freedom. Chapters: 0:00 - Real Client Stories: Unfiled Taxes & Financial Infidelity 2:10 - Why Tax Procrastination Happens 5:15 - The Division of Labor & The e-Filing Blindspot 8:53 - IRS Innocent Spouse Relief Explained 10:41 - Should You Sign a Tax Return You Don't Understand? 14:09 - How to Pull IRS Transcripts & Uncover Unfiled Returns 17:44 - Tax Options During Divorce: Joint vs. Separate Filing 21:48 - Removing Shame & Taking Your First Step Forward 👋 If this episode resonated, give it a like, drop a comment with your biggest tax takeaway, and subscribe so you don't miss next week's conversation. 📖 Read our blog for more financial insights: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. #TaxStrategy #DivorceFinances #HerWealthUnscripted

    What to Do When Your Spouse Never Filed Your Taxes

  8. Sep 9

    Still Listed as the Beneficiary? The Estate Planning Mistake Costing Women Everything

    Going through a divorce or losing a spouse comes with a mountain of paperwork — and updating your estate plan is often the thing that falls to the bottom of the list. But one overlooked form can mean your ex-spouse inherits everything you meant for your kids. Have you ever wondered… If your power of attorney is even valid anymore after a divorce? Whether you actually need a trust — or if an attorney is just selling you one? What happens to your retirement account if you never updated the beneficiary? In this episode, Susan and Sara sit down with estate planning attorney Tamara Block to unpack why "just sign here" estate planning fails women — and what to do instead. In this episode, we cover: The beneficiary designation trap — Why a divorce decree doesn't automatically update your retirement accounts or life insurance, and how a six-figure account can end up going to an ex-spouse instead of your kids. Estate planning for solo women — What single, divorced, widowed, or never-married women need to think through differently, from picking a healthcare agent to deciding where a legacy goes without children involved. Married couples aren't exempt — Why "I'm married, so I don't need a power of attorney" is one of the most common and costly myths Tamara hears. The AI and social media myth problem — Why viral "trust loophole" posts and DIY AI legal advice are becoming harder to fact-check, and why they're often just wrong. Why relationships beat templates — What separates a good estate planning attorney (or financial advisor) from a legal-zoom shortcut, and why understanding your documents matters as much as having them. How to actually get started — Tamara's advice for tackling estate planning without getting stuck in overwhelm. The bottom line: an estate plan isn't a one-and-done document — it's something that has to grow and change with your life. And you deserve a professional who takes the time to make sure you understand it. Tamara Block is an attorney with over 25 years of legal experience, licensed in Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas, and Tennessee. Her practice focuses on estate planning, real estate, nonprofits, small business matters, and litigation, with a particular focus on single women navigating divorce, widowhood, or life without children. Learn more at https://www.tamarablockattorney.com/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Meet Tamara Block: estate attorney background and passion for helping women 2:06 - Tamara's story: single motherhood and the wake-up call to get her own plan in order 4:08 - Why women's longer life expectancy makes estate planning even more critical 7:56 - Why updating your estate plan after divorce or widowhood is often overlooked 8:24 - The beneficiary designation story: how an ex-spouse inherited a six-figure account 13:49 - Estate planning considerations for women without children 20:13 - Common estate planning myths: power of attorney, trusts, and "asset protection" schemes 22:37 - Why everyone benefits from a financial advisor, not just the wealthy 25:18 - Where AI gets legal and financial advice wrong — and why prompts and personalization matter 28:09 - Tamara's #1 takeaway for listeners 30:15 - How to connect with Tamara Block 👋 If this episode gave you something to think about, like, comment, and subscribe — we'd love to hear which myth surprised you most. 📖 Read more on the Sorelle Journal: https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/blog Her Wealth: Unscripted is hosted by Susan Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® and Sara Gelsheimer, MBA, CFP®, co-founders of Sorelle Wealth Partners, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm serving women and families navigating divorce, widowhood, retirement, and other major life transitions, with offices in Boca Raton, FL and St. Louis, MO. Learn more at sorellewealthpartners.com. #EstatePlanning #DivorceRecovery #HerWealthUnscripted

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About

Welcome to Her Wealth: Unscripted — real conversations about money, life, and the moments that change everything. Hosted by the women of Sorelle Wealth Partners, Susan Jones and Sara Gelsheimer, this podcast is for women navigating life’s transitions: divorce, widowhood, retirement, business ownership, caregiving, and second acts. We talk about the financial decisions that come with real life — with honesty and compassion. No jargon. No scripts. Just steady guidance to help you align your wealth with what matters most. Because it’s more than numbers — it’s the life they make possible. Subscribe for new episodes, practical insights, and meaningful conversations.

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  • Creator
    Produced by PodTechs
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Produced by PodTechs
  • Show Website
    Her Wealth: Unscripted

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