RetirePluggedIn Podcast

Nora Hartquist

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Investing

Do you ever find yourself wondering what retirement truly has in store for you? Are you worried about how to make the most of your golden years, filled with joy, purpose, and financial security? Well, fear not, for we have the ultimate solution that will empower you with all the knowledge and guidance you need to thrive in retirement. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey towards a fulfilling and enriching retirement lifestyle!

Jul 15

RPI #013: Financially Ready but Not Ready to Retire

RPI #013: Financially Ready but Not Ready to Retire Your portfolio's ready. Is your life? The gap is where retirements quietly fall apart. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquist breaks down why being financially ready and being ready to retire are not the same thing. You'll learn how to audit your current week for what energizes and drains you, discover the four pillars of a designed retirement week - Purpose, People, Play, and Rest - and find out why "schedule it or it won't happen" might be the single most important retirement advice you'll ever get. Question of the Day 🗣️ What's one thing you do right now - at work or outside of it - that genuinely energizes you? Have you thought about how to carry that into retirement? Share in the comments. Key Take-aways Being financially ready and retirement-ready are not the same thing - most advisors miss thisAudit your current week to see what energizes you and what quietly drains youDesign your ideal week around four pillars: Purpose, People, Play, and RestUse the 8-8-8-8 monthly minimum to keep your retirement balanced and fulfillingRun 90-day experiments to discover what you love without committing long-term Timestamped Outline ⏱️ 00:00 – Opening – Retire Plugged In Issue #013 00:27 – The three forces affecting today's retirees 01:04 – Why designing retirement matters more than just planning finances 02:31 – Step 1: Audit your current week 02:59 – What energizes you - and how to build it into retirement 05:02 – What drains you - and how to simplify or offload it 07:32 – Step 2: Design your ideal week - the 8-8-8-8 monthly minimum 08:01 – The four pillars: Purpose, People, Play, and Rest 11:34 – Set 90-day experiments 13:09 – Closing – what's coming next week Links & Resources 🔗 NICE News - uplifting stories across every category → https://nicenews.com/category/lifestyle/Issue #012 - Pillar #3 Growth & Learning, plus ideas for finding your purpose → https://youtu.be/MBM0jXjujx0QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) explainer video → https://vimeo.com/reviews/b7dbe656-7009-4f28-9602-b529b82112ac/videos/1198564991Retire With Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities Bundle (free gift) → https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/Subscribe to Retire Plugged In on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-qFE3Wh0JY0Sr2jHuTsNw?sub_confirmation=1 Connect & CTA 🎯 👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. 🎁 Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - the financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.
Jul 8

RPI #012: Nobody Tells You What Comes After Retirement Rest

RPI #012: Nobody Tells You What Comes After Retirement Rest Rest is just the lobby. Here's how to find the door to your legendary second act. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquist tackles the question nobody prepares you for: what comes after the rest phase of retirement? You'll discover why your brain can build new connections at any age through neuroplasticity, learn three simple questions that reveal your "legendary second act," and find out how to use ChatGPT as a personalized passion discovery tool. Question of the Day 🗣️ What did you love doing before "life got in the way"? A childhood hobby, a creative passion, something you lost track of along the way? Share it in the comments - you might inspire someone else to pick theirs back up. Key Take-aways Retirement is a launchpad, not a finish line - staying in "the lobby" too long leads to declineYour brain builds new neural connections at any age - learning protects against cognitive declineThree simple questions can reveal what your legendary second act looks likeChatGPT works best as a conversation partner for discovery, not a one-question toolThe strengths you take for granted might be exactly what someone else needs Timestamped Outline ⏱️ 00:00 – Opening – Retire Plugged In Issue #012 00:05 – Finish line or launching pad? 01:37 – What if the best is still ahead? 02:37 – Pillar 3: Growth and Learning 03:03 – Neuroplasticity - your brain grows new connections at any age 04:51 – Three simple questions to find your second act 06:50 – From federal career to wedding dress designer 08:52 – Using ChatGPT to discover your next passion 09:58 – What do others come to you for? 11:19 – Next week: Designing your retirement life Links & Resources 🔗 Big Brothers Big Sisters - Become a Big → https://www.bbbs.org/get-involved/become-a-big/Retire With Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities Bundle (free gift) → https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/Subscribe to Retire Plugged In on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-qFE3Wh0JY0Sr2jHuTsNw?sub_confirmation=1 Connect & CTA 🎯 👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. 🎁 Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - the financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.
Jul 1

RPI #011: Retirees Can Earn $47,500 Tax Free This Year

RPI #011: Retirees Can Earn $47,500 Tax Free This Year Inflation and market chaos look scary - but they're quietly handing retirees a $47,500 tax-free bonus this year. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquist breaks down why today's "scary" economic cycle - inflation, high rates, market swings - is actually loaded with hidden advantages for retirees. You'll learn how Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities beat inflation tax-deferred, how qualifying couples can pocket $47,500 in tax-free income this year, and why RMDs and Sequence of Returns risk demand a new investing playbook. Question of the Day 🗣️ Have you looked at how today's economic conditions might actually benefit your retirement - or have you been focused on the scary headlines? What surprised you most in this episode? Key Take-aways MYGA rates of 5-6.4% beat inflation - locked in and tax-deferredNew deductions let qualifying couples earn $47,500 in tax-free retirement incomeRMDs force withdrawals whether you want them or not - the "deal with the devil"Sequence of Returns risk means your investing philosophy must change in retirementPartial advice from accountants, friends, or ChatGPT can trigger higher Medicare premiums and taxes Timestamped Outline ⏱️ 00:00 – Opening – Issue #011 and the 3 Forces framework 02:21 – Why this "scary" economy actually favors retirees 03:12 – MYGA rates beating inflation, tax-deferred 04:47 – The accountant's advice that nearly backfired 07:36 – Social Security COLA and the $47,500 tax-free opportunity 10:02 – The California move disaster 12:09 – RMDs, Sequence of Returns risk, and Roth conversions 15:00 – The HELOC strategy vs. large IRA withdrawals 18:21 – Closing – what's coming next week Links & Resources 🔗 Retire With Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities Bundle (free gift) → https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Connect & CTA 🎯 👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. 🎁 Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - the financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.
Jun 24

RPI #010: Loneliness Is Killing More Retirees Than Bad Investments

RPI #010: Loneliness Is Killing More Retirees Than Bad Investments The Surgeon General says loneliness kills like 15 cigarettes a day - and retirement is ground zero. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquisttackles the retirement crisis nobody talks about - loneliness. She reveals the 5 Pillars of Your "Second Act" framework, shares the devastating story of Anna (financially secure but profoundly isolated), and unpacks what the Harvard Study of Adult Development discovered after 80 years. You'll learn why relationships predict happiness more than wealth, five strategies for building meaningful connections in retirement, and what to do before it's too late. Question of the Day 🗣️ If your spouse or closest companion weren't there tomorrow, who would you call? Not for financial advice - just to talk. If that question makes you pause, this episode was made for you. Key Take-aways Loneliness in retirement is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a dayRelationships predict happiness and longevity more than wealth or health habitsLosing your work community hits harder than most retirees expectFive intentional strategies can rebuild meaningful connection after retirementFinancial security without social connection leads to devastating decline Timestamped Outline ⏱️ 00:00 – Opening - Retire Plugged In Issue #010 02:06 – The 5 Pillars of Your "Second Act" framework 05:36 – Story: Anna - financially secure, profoundly isolated 07:01 – The Harvard Study of Adult Development 09:35 – The loneliness epidemic and losing your work community 12:08 – Five strategies for building connection in retirement 16:36 – Nora's personal note on connection 18:52 – Closing and next week preview Links & Resources 🔗 Harvard Study of Adult Development → https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/Dr. Waldinger's TED Talk - "What Makes a Good Life?" (13 min) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzIDr. Waldinger Interview - "The Secret to a Happy Life" (28 min) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IStsehNAOL8Surgeon General on Loneliness (PBS) → https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/loneliness-poses-health-risks-as-deadly-as-smoking-u-s-surgeon-general-saysRetire With Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities Bundle → https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Connect & CTA 🎯 👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. 🎁 Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - the financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.
Jun 17

RPI #009: It Wasn't Alzheimer's - It Was Her Medications

RPI #009: It Wasn't Alzheimer's - It Was Her Medications Your brain fog might not be dementia. It could be your medicine cabinet - and the fix could be overnight. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquist breaks down the treatable conditions that mimic Alzheimer's - and shares the personal story of her own mother that proved how devastating and reversible one of these causes can be. You'll learn why medication side effects fool doctors into misdiagnosis, how one blood test can establish your Alzheimer's baseline, and the emerging brain health therapies showing real results. Question of the Day 🗣️ Have you ever had a symptom that turned out to be caused by medication side effects or interactions - not the condition you feared? Share your story in the comments. It might help someone else ask the right questions. Key Take-aways "Brown Bag Syndrome" can mimic dementia - and reverse overnight when caughtVitamin deficiencies and thyroid imbalances cause brain fog that looks like declineThe pTau217 blood test can establish an early Alzheimer's baseline before symptomsUp to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable with lifestyle changes (CDC)Red light therapy and PEMF therapy show promising results for brain health Timestamped Outline ⏱️ 00:00 - Opening - Retire Plugged In Issue #009 00:11 - Physical decline is preventable - the daily commitment 01:49 - Study: What if aging isn't decline? 02:34 - Nora's mother and Brown Bag Syndrome 05:05 - The overnight recovery - removing all medications 07:06 - Treatable brain fog - vitamins and thyroid 09:35 - Diagnosing Alzheimer's - the pTau217 blood test 10:38 - 45% of dementia may be preventable (CDC) 11:25 - Red light therapy and PEMF for brain health 14:59 - Closing thoughts Links & Resources 🔗 Free Gift: Retire With Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities Bundle → https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/Subscribe to Retire Plugged In on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-qFE3Wh0JY0Sr2jHuTsNw?sub_confirmation=1Study: What If Aging Isn't Decline? → https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/what-if-aging-isnt-decline-a-new-study-finds-for-many-it-isnt-6000295CDC - Treatable Causes of Memory Problems → https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/prevention/index.htmlMayo Clinic - Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease → https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075Brain Fog in Hypothyroidism (National Library of Medicine) → https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9469742/#s002Photobiomodulation for Dementia Cases (Sage Journals) → https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1089/pho.2016.4227Dr. Pawluk - PEMF Information → https://drpawluck.comPEMF Therapy for Age-Associated Memory Impairment → https://o2healthlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PEMF-Pulse-Improve-Memory.pdf Connect & CTA 🎯 👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. 🎁 Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.
Jun 10

RPI #008: He Had Enough to Last Past 100 - He Died at His Desk at 79

RPI #008: He Had Enough to Last Past 100 - He Died at His Desk at 79 He saved enough to last past 100. He died at his desk at 79. The money wasn't the problem. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquist tackles the gap between financial planning and life planning - and why one without the other can lead to a retirement that never happens. You'll learn why having "enough money" isn't enough, how couples with opposite retirement visions can make it work, and what muscle scans reveal about staying physically and mentally sharp in retirement. Question of the Day 🗣️ Have you and your spouse or partner actually sat down and discussed what you each want retirement to look like? Were your visions the same or completely different? Share in the comments - your approach might help another couple navigate this conversation. Key Take-aways Financial readiness without life purpose leads to retirement that never happensCouples need aligned retirement visions before they need aligned portfoliosThe "70-80% of income" rule of thumb may not apply to your situationMuscle scans prove "use it or lose it" is literal - movement is non-negotiableBrain health tools like games and red light therapy can slow cognitive decline Timestamped Outline ⏱️ 00:00 - Opening - Retire Plugged In Issue #008 00:25 - He died at his desk - enough money, no purpose 01:28 - Your "second act" - purpose before financial planning 02:41 - Do you and your spouse want the same retirement? 04:41 - The 70-80% rule of thumb - does it apply to you? 07:24 - The $150,000 RV impulse purchase 09:59 - Staying physically vigorous in retirement 10:28 - The muscle scan comparison - use it or lose it 13:32 - Brain exercises, games, and red light therapy 16:27 - Closing - what's coming next week Links & Resources 🔗 Free Gift: Retire With Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities Bundle → https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/Subscribe to Retire Plugged In on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-qFE3Wh0JY0Sr2jHuTsNw?sub_confirmation=1 Connect & CTA 🎯 👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. 🎁 Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/ Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.
Jun 3

RPI #007: The Real Reason Retirement Makes People Depressed

RPI #007: The Real Reason Retirement Makes People Depressed You hit your savings number. So why are new retirees 40% more likely to be depressed? The freedom is the danger. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquist breaks down why money never guarantees a happy retirement - and why year one is the most dangerous. You'll learn what work quietly gave you (structure, identity, purpose), how loneliness raises your risk for heart disease and dementia, and discover how to build a "second act" with the life stressors settled BEFORE you retire. Question of the Day If money were already handled, what would give your days purpose in retirement - a hobby, volunteering, a pet, a second act you've always put off? Share it in the comments. Your idea might be exactly what another listener needed to hear. Key Take-aways Money removes one stressor but never guarantees a happy retirement - a plan for your days matters moreYou're 40% more likely to be depressed retired than working, and year one is the riskiestWork quietly gave you structure, identity, purpose, and proof you mattered - rebuild all fourLoneliness and isolation raise your risk for heart disease, dementia, and earlier deathSettle the big stressors BEFORE retiring - moving, relationship strain, and 24/7 togetherness Timestamped Outline 00:00 - Opening - does money guarantee a happy retirement? 01:11 - The short answer: no plan 02:32 - Momentary happiness vs. all-day fulfillment 03:12 - 40% more likely to be depressed - and year one is the riskiest 03:30 - What work gave you: structure, identity, purpose, proof you mattered 04:20 - Structure and purpose - planning your second act 05:56 - Loneliness, social isolation, and the CDC health risks 07:25 - Creating your second act - Chuck's firehouse tables 08:44 - Pets - companionship and a reason to get up 10:24 - Retirement as a major life stressor 13:16 - Relationship issues - together 24/7 17:43 - Final conclusion - what makes a HAPPY retirement Links & Resources Free gift: Guide to Building a Purposeful Retirement → https://retirepluggedin.thecenterforretirementreadiness.com/valuable/PurposeDrivenRetirement123This is Issue #007 in the Retire Plugged In series on building a retirement that's about more than money Connect & CTA Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - the financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-qFE3Wh0JY0Sr2jHuTsNw?sub_confirmation=1 Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.
May 27

RPI #006: 6 Scams That Weaponize Your Emotions in Retirement

RPI #006: 6 Scams That Weaponize Your Emotions in Retirement Scammers don't hack your password - they hack your feelings. Here's how to fight back. Episode Summary In this episode of Retire Plugged In, host Nora Hartquist breaks down six categories of scams designed to exploit the emotions retirees trust most - from shopping traps and phantom hackers to AI-powered grandparent scams. You'll learn how to spot the warning signs of emotional manipulation, why retirees are specifically targeted, and discover the one question that stops an AI voice-cloning scam cold. Question of the Day Have you ever received a suspicious package you didn't order, or a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild in trouble? What did you do? Share your experience in the comments - your story could protect someone else. Key Take-aways Scammers exploit trust, loneliness, and love - not just technology"Free trial" traps and brushing scams are early warning signs of data exposurePhantom hacker attacks use three phases to drain entire life savingsNever say "yes" to an unknown caller - your voice can be weaponized against youOne specific question can expose an AI-cloned grandchild scam instantly Timestamped Outline 00:00 - Opening and why retirees are targets 01:19 - Shopping scams and "free trial" traps 04:20 - The "brushing" scam - Nora's treadmill story 06:22 - Tech support and "Phantom Hacker" scams 08:45 - Robocalls, the 809 scam, and one-ring traps 12:45 - Tony's story - scammed through loneliness 14:18 - The "Can You Hear Me" voice signature scam 16:43 - Gold coins vs. gold bars - a costly lesson 19:03 - Grandparent scams powered by AI voice cloning 21:12 - How to protect yourself and next steps Links & Resources Savvy Cybersecurity Quick Reference Guide 2026 → https://subscribepage.io/b3zgqiIssue #004 of Retire Plugged In - "Cyber Risk & Scams Part 1" → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chilling-force-3-your-retirement-window-cep-chfebc-cf2-cltc--f7t4e/Issue #005 of Retire Plugged In - "Cyber Risk & Scams Part 2" → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chilling-force-3-your-retirement-window-part-2-nora-hartquist-ocd7e/FTC Free Trial Advice → https://consumer.ftc.gov/node/77481#Free%20trialDomain Age Checker (verify suspicious sites) → https://smallseotools.com/domain-age-checker/Scam Detector (check if a site is legitimate) → https://scam-detector.comFCC Scam Glossary → https://www.fcc.gov/scam-glossaryFCC Consumer Alert - "Can You Hear Me" Scams → https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-344083A1.pdfInvestor.gov - How to Avoid Investment Fraud → https://www.investor.gov/protect-your-investments/fraud/how-avoid-fraud/what-you-can-do-avoid-investment-fraudAARP Scam Tracking Map → https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/ Connect & CTA Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Get Nora's weekly breakdown of the retirement truths nobody else is telling you - the financial pitfalls, social dynamics, and scam threats that shape your retirement window: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-qFE3Wh0JY0Sr2jHuTsNw?sub_confirmation=1 Credits Host: Nora Hartquist © 2026 Retire Plugged In. All rights reserved.

Do you ever find yourself wondering what retirement truly has in store for you? Are you worried about how to make the most of your golden years, filled with joy, purpose, and financial security? Well, fear not, for we have the ultimate solution that will empower you with all the knowledge and guidance you need to thrive in retirement. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey towards a fulfilling and enriching retirement lifestyle!

Creator

Nora Hartquist
Years Active

2026
Episodes

13
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 RetirePluggedIn Podcast
Show Website

RetirePluggedIn Podcast