Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

Matt Meline, CFP
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    Retirement Isn't Always A Shared Finish Line

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline explores two of the biggest concerns facing pre-retirees and empty nesters: what happens when spouses aren't ready to retire at the same time, and what happens when family responsibilities continue long after retirement begins? Many couples assume retirement is a shared finish line, but real life often looks different. One spouse may be financially and emotionally ready to retire while the other is still building a business, enjoying their career, or simply not ready for the transition. Matt discusses how couples can navigate different retirement timelines while staying aligned on their long-term goals. He also dives into the realities of the "sandwich generation"—supporting adult children while simultaneously caring for aging parents. From financial assistance and healthcare concerns to setting healthy boundaries and managing feelings of guilt, Matt shares practical insights for balancing family responsibilities without sacrificing your own future. If you're approaching retirement and wondering how to navigate family obligations, relationship dynamics, and differing timelines, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for moving forward with confidence. Empty Nest Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family's Future As your children prepare for their next chapter, it's time to prepare for yours. In Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline offers practical guidance for navigating the emotional and financial realities of becoming an empty nester, including college planning, retirement preparation, housing decisions, family relationships, and creating a meaningful future after the kids leave home. Learn how to build financial confidence while embracing the opportunities that come with this new season of life. Get your copy here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/book/ Episode Topics Covered Why Couples Often Retire on Different TimelinesRedefining What Retirement Actually MeansThe Benefits of a Phased Retirement ApproachFinancial Readiness vs. Emotional ReadinessWhy Retirement Doesn't Have to Be an All-or-Nothing DecisionUsing Trial Periods, Sabbaticals, and Part-Time Work Before RetiringHow to Create a Retirement Plan That Works for Both SpousesReal-Life Examples of Staggered Retirement TransitionsCommunication Strategies for Couples Approaching RetirementCoordinating Retirement Income and BenefitsMedicare and Social Security Considerations for CouplesThe Importance of Flexibility in Retirement PlanningNavigating Retirement as Part of the Sandwich GenerationSupporting Adult Children Without Jeopardizing Your FutureHelping Aging Parents Financially and EmotionallyPreparing for Potential Long-Term Care NeedsManaging Unexpected Family ExpensesBalancing Family Support with Personal Financial GoalsSetting Healthy Financial Boundaries with Loved OnesOvercoming Guilt Around Money and Family ResponsibilitiesProtecting Your Financial Freedom While Caring for OthersBuilding a Retirement Plan That Accounts for Family UncertaintyCreating Confidence Through Planning and Communication— 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

    7 min

  2. 6d ago

    There's No Perfect Time To Retire

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline tackles one of the most common questions pre-retirees face: "Am I retiring at the wrong time?" With constant headlines, market volatility, political uncertainty, and changing economic conditions, it's easy to feel like retirement should be delayed until the "perfect" moment arrives. The problem? That perfect moment rarely exists. Matt explores why successful retirement planning isn't about predicting the future—it's about building flexibility into your plan. He shares practical ways to shift your mindset from timing the market to creating a strategy that can adapt to life's inevitable surprises. Whether you're approaching retirement or actively deciding when to make the leap, this episode will help you move beyond fear and focus on what really matters: having a plan that gives you confidence regardless of what the headlines say. Empty Nest Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family's Future As your children prepare for their next chapter, it's time to prepare for yours. In Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline offers practical guidance for navigating the emotional and financial realities of becoming an empty nester, including college planning, retirement preparation, housing decisions, family relationships, and creating a meaningful future after the kids leave home. Learn how to build financial confidence while embracing the opportunities that come with this new season of life. Get your copy here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/book/ Episode Topics Covered The Myth of the "Perfect" Retirement DateWhy Headlines and Financial News Create Retirement AnxietySeparating Market Noise from Long-Term PlanningCommon Fears About Retiring at the Wrong TimeWhy Flexibility Matters More Than Perfect TimingShifting Your Mindset from Timing to AdaptabilityHow a Strong Retirement Plan Handles Market VolatilityUnderstanding Financial Guardrails and Withdrawal StrategiesBuilding Buffers for Unexpected Life EventsPlanning for Healthcare and Long-Term Care RisksCreating Flexible Social Security Claiming StrategiesTax Diversification and Retirement Income PlanningWhy Retirement Planning Should Focus on Ranges, Not DatesThe Benefits of Creating a Retirement WindowHow to Evaluate Retirement Readiness with ConfidenceManaging Uncertainty Without Delaying Your FutureThe Role of Financial Planning in Reducing Retirement StressLearning to Trust the Plan You've BuiltMoving from Fear-Based Decisions to Purposeful PlanningWhy Strategy Matters More Than Market Conditions— 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

    5 min

  3. Jun 19

    How To Build A Retirement Plan That Gives You Options

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline continues his discussion on the 59½ Rebellion—a framework designed to help empty nesters and pre-retirees test-drive retirement before making the leap. While many people focus exclusively on their finances, Matt explores the often-overlooked factors that can make or break a successful retirement: your identity, where you want to live, your relationships, and the flexibility built into your financial plan. From downsizing decisions and second homes to Social Security timing, healthcare planning, and finding purpose beyond your career, this episode offers practical guidance for creating a retirement that feels fulfilling—not just financially secure. If you're approaching retirement and wondering what life will actually look like after work, this conversation will help you think beyond the numbers and start designing your next chapter with confidence. Empty Nest Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family's Future As your children prepare for their next chapter, it's time to prepare for yours. In Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline offers practical guidance for navigating the emotional and financial realities of becoming an empty nester, including college planning, retirement preparation, housing decisions, family relationships, and creating a meaningful future after the kids leave home. Learn how to build financial confidence while embracing the opportunities that come with this new season of life. Get your copy here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/book/ Episode Topics Covered Continuing the 59½ Rebellion FrameworkWhy Retirement Should Be Test-Driven Before It HappensFinding Purpose and Identity Beyond Your CareerTurning Passions and Skills Into Meaningful Retirement ActivitiesMapping Out Your Ideal Retirement WeekGeography Decisions: Should You Stay, Move, or Downsize?The Pros and Cons of Relocating in RetirementUsing Travel and Short-Term Rentals to Test Potential Retirement LocationsWhy Community Matters More Than You ThinkNavigating Housing Decisions with Low Mortgage RatesEvaluating Second Homes and Lifestyle ChangesThe Importance of Relationship Planning in RetirementAdjusting to Spending More Time Together as a CoupleHow Practice Reduces Retirement AnxietyUnderstanding Financial Guardrails and Spending FlexibilityCreating a Sustainable Retirement Spending PlanTax Diversification and Roth Conversion StrategiesWhy Retirement Doesn't Have to Be an All-or-Nothing DecisionThe Benefits of a Gradual or Part-Time Retirement TransitionCreating a Personalized Social Security Claiming StrategyCommon Social Security Mistakes That Can Cost Families ThousandsHealthcare Planning for Early RetireesOvercoming the Fear of Leaving Employer-Sponsored BenefitsBuilding Confidence Before Pulling the Retirement TriggerDesigning a Retirement That Aligns With Your Values and Goals— 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

    12 min

  4. Jun 17

    Learning How To Spend After A Lifetime Of Saving

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Meline introduces the concept of the "59½ Rebellion" — a practical and surprisingly liberating approach to preparing for retirement before you officially leave the workforce. For decades, most people focus on one financial objective: accumulating wealth. But retirement requires a completely different mindset. Matt explores why the transition from saving money to spending it can be one of the most difficult emotional shifts retirees face and shares a simple exercise designed to help you prepare for that change. Beyond finances, Matt discusses the importance of test-driving retirement by experimenting with your time, exploring future hobbies and passions, and developing a deeper understanding of your identity outside of work. By taking small steps before retirement arrives, you can gain clarity, confidence, and a better sense of what your next chapter could look like. If you're approaching retirement and wondering what life will actually feel like once the paychecks stop, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for making the transition with purpose. Empty Nest Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family's Future As your children prepare for their next chapter, it's time to prepare for yours. In Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline offers practical guidance for navigating the emotional and financial realities of becoming an empty nester, including college planning, retirement preparation, housing decisions, family relationships, and creating a meaningful future after the kids leave home. Learn how to build financial confidence while embracing the opportunities that come with this new season of life. Get your copy here: https://prairiefirewealth.com/book/ Episode Topics Covered • Introducing the "59½ Rebellion" Framework • Why Retirement Should Be Test Driven • Taking Time Away from Work Before You Retire • Evaluating How You Really Want to Spend Your Time • The Emotional Shift from Saving to Spending • Understanding the Freedom of Penalty-Free Retirement Withdrawals • Why Many Retirees Struggle to Spend Their Savings • Practicing Retirement Income Before Retirement Begins • Moving from Accumulation to Financial Freedom • The Psychology of Watching Your Account Balances Change • How Small Withdrawals Can Build Confidence • Why Retirement Is More Than a Financial Decision • Exploring Identity Beyond Your Career • The Importance of Hobbies and Purpose in Retirement • Discovering New Passions and Interests • Using Personality Assessments to Better Understand Yourself • How Self-Knowledge Can Shape Your Retirement Experience • Creating a Retirement Lifestyle That Fits You — 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

    7 min

  5. May 29

    How To Lower College Costs (Without Cutting Corners)

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial advisor Will Schroeder shifts from fears to action - sharing practical strategies families can use to reduce the cost of college and make smarter financial decisions. While there’s no magic solution to make college free, Will breaks down real, actionable ways to lower expenses - from maximizing scholarship opportunities to exploring alternative education paths. Drawing from his own experience, he highlights common mistakes students make (and how to avoid them), while offering insights that can save families thousands over time. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the college planning software Prairie Fire Wealth Planning uses to help families estimate true costs, uncover financial aid opportunities, and identify potential funding gaps - so you can plan with clarity instead of guesswork. If you’re looking for practical ways to make college more affordable, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using today. Digital Asset Get Free Access to the PFW College Money Plan https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Topics Covered  Why Scholarships Matter More Than You Think  A Costly Mistake: Not Taking Scholarship Applications Seriously  Tip #1: Apply for Every Scholarship Opportunity  Tip #2: How to Appeal Your Financial Aid Offer  When Appealing Financial Aid Can Make a Big Difference  Tip #3: Lower-Cost College Pathways (Community College & 3-Year Degrees)  How Community College Can Cut Costs Significantly  Accelerating Graduation with a 3-Year Degree Path  Earning College Credits in High School to Save Money  Tip #4: Saving on Textbooks and Education Materials  Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses on Course Materials  Inside the College Cost Planning Software  How to Estimate the True Cost of Different Schools  Understanding Financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships  Identifying Your College Funding Gap  Comparing High-Cost vs. Lower-Cost School Options  How Academic Performance Impacts Scholarship Opportunities  Planning How to Cover the Remaining Cost of College  Key Takeaways from Empty Nest Full Pockets Why Community College Can Be a Strategic Financial Decision  I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being part of our podcast journey. If you haven’t already, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating the college planning process. Let’s stay connected: 🌐 Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ 📧 Email: info@pfwplanning.com — 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

    21 min

  6. May 15

    Why College Planning Feels So Overwhelming (and How to Fix It)

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial advisor Will Schroeder dives into one of the most pressing concerns for parents today: how to plan for college without feeling overwhelmed - or financially stretched too thin. With college costs rising at an alarming rate, many families are left wondering how they’ll afford one of the biggest expenses of their lifetime. Will breaks down why affordability is the #1 fear for parents and walks through what “good” college planning actually looks like - starting earlier than most families expect. From setting clear expectations with your child to understanding the true return on investment of a college education, this episode offers practical guidance to help you approach the process with clarity and confidence. Will also introduce the PFW College Money Plan and the tools available to help families build a personalized strategy - so you can make smarter decisions without sacrificing your financial future. If college planning feels overwhelming, this episode will help you move from uncertain to prepared. Digital Asset Download the PFW College Money Plan (Free Access) https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Topics Covered  Why College Affordability Is the #1 Concern for Parents  Welcome to Empty Nest Full Pockets  Introduction to the PFW College Money Plan Course  What Good College Planning Looks Like  Setting Expectations Early with Your Child  When to Start the College Planning Process  The Importance of College Visits (and Timing Them Right)  Having a Decision Before Senior Year  The 3 Biggest Fears Parents Have About College  The Rising Cost of College (and Why It’s Accelerating)  Real Cost Projections for Public vs. Private Schools  Why Early Planning Is Critical for Families  Navigating the Transition from Parent to Mentor  Setting Communication Expectations with Your College Student  Managing Independence and Family Connection  Understanding Return on Investment (ROI) for College  Balancing Cost vs. Career Earnings Potential  The Intangible Value of College (Growth, Relationships, Life Skills)  I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being part of our podcast journey. If you haven’t already, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone preparing for or navigating the college planning process. Let’s stay connected: 🌐 Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/ 📧 Email: info@pfwplanning.com — 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

    20 min

  7. Apr 24

    Stop Guessing, Build a Smarter Retirement Plan

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Meline breaks down a powerful concept that can transform how you experience retirement: the “Permission to Spend” framework. After years of disciplined saving, many empty nesters still struggle to enjoy their money. Instead of feeling freedom, they feel hesitation — constantly questioning whether they’re spending too much, too soon. Matt explains how this mindset often comes from a lack of structure, not a lack of savings. Using a simple yet impactful example, he compares two retirees with identical portfolios—one without a strategy and one with a tax-smart withdrawal plan. The difference? Hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime taxes… and a dramatically different retirement experience. This episode walks through how coordinating income sources, managing tax brackets, and timing withdrawals can help reduce tax burdens and create clarity around what you can safely spend. The result is a plan with guardrails — giving you the confidence to enjoy your retirement without second-guessing every decision. If you’ve been playing it safe but wondering if you could be living more fully, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible. Digital Asset Download the Empty Nest Success Checklist https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights  The “Permission to Spend” mindset  Why retirees often still feel financial scarcity  Example: two retirees with identical portfolios but different outcomes  The cost of not having a tax strategy  How strategic withdrawals can reduce lifetime taxes  What the Permission to Spend framework solves  Building spending guardrails (high vs. low ranges)  Coordinating income sources, taxes, and timing  Using Roth accounts to manage tax brackets  Why asset location matters for tax efficiency  Tax diversification for flexibility in retirement  “Bracket-busting” strategies explained  Roth conversion opportunities (ages 60–73)  Capital gains harvesting strategies  Charitable giving and tax efficiency  Reviewing your tax return for planning opportunities  Creating a retirement tax plan  Adjusting spending during market volatility  Final thoughts: building confidence through planning April's LIVE Webinar Kickstart Your College Planning Journey with The PFW College Money Plan 📅 Wednesday, April 15 🕚 11:30am CST Planning for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this webinar, we’ll walk you through a smarter, more strategic way to approach college funding — without sacrificing your retirement goals. 👉 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

  8. Apr 10

    The Retirement Problem No One Talks About: Spending

    Notes: In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial planner Matt Meline tackles one of the biggest — and most overlooked — challenges in retirement: spending with confidence. After years of saving, many empty nesters still hesitate to enjoy their money. Why? Because uncertainty around taxes, withdrawals, and timing creates fear of making a costly mistake. Matt introduces the “Permission to Spend” framework — a tax-smart strategy designed to help you turn your savings into reliable income while minimizing unnecessary taxes. Through real-life examples and practical insights, he explains how coordinating your withdrawals across different accounts can actually increase your spending power — and your peace of mind. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really afford to enjoy this?” — this episode is for you. Digital Asset Download the Empty Nest Success Checklist https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/ Episode Highlights Why spending—not saving—is often the hardest part of retirement The fear of running out of money Real-life case study: $2.5M saved, but hesitation to spend The hidden tax problem in many retirement plans How a tax strategy can significantly increase annual spending What “Permission to Spend” really means The three key drivers: income, taxes, and timing Why most retirement plans overlook tax strategy Understanding the four tax buckets Traditional IRAs & 401(k)s (tax-deferred growth) Roth accounts (tax-free income strategies) Brokerage accounts (flexibility and control) Social Security and its hidden tax impacts Mistake #1: waiting too long to withdraw IRA money Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and tax spikes Mistake #2: missing Roth conversion opportunities Mistake #3: triggering unnecessary capital gains Final thoughts: turning savings into confident income Upcoming LIVE Webinar Kickstart Your College Planning Journey with The PFW College Money Plan 📅 Wednesday, April 15 🕚 11:30am CST Planning for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this webinar, we’ll walk you through a smarter, more strategic way to approach college funding — without sacrificing your retirement goals. 👉 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

    21 min
See All (41)

Trailer

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
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
  • Show Website
    Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast