Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

Matt Meline, CFP
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Investing
  • 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. 6d ago

    Retirement in Real Life: Finding Community, Confidence, and Freedom After Work

    In this second half of Julie’s retirement journey, she shares what life looks like after leaving a decades-long career behind—and why the reality has been even better than she expected. From joining a fitness community and reconnecting with old friends to riding her new e-bike and spending summer evenings at the pool, Julie is discovering the freedom to enjoy the things she never had enough time for while working. She’s also found that retirement has given her more time to support her aging mother and make thoughtful decisions about her care. Julie and Matt Meline discuss the emotional side of retirement, including the fear of relying on investments instead of a paycheck, how financial planning helped her feel more confident, and why she quickly realized she didn’t need her backup plan to return to work. Julie also shares practical advice for women approaching retirement, including exploring different retirement ages, using free SHIP resources to understand Medicare and Social Security, and carefully comparing health insurance options. Plus, she explains how she’s using AI for everyday tasks, from gardening plans and shopping lists to writing thoughtful notes. The big takeaway? Retirement isn’t just about having enough money to stop working. It’s about having the confidence, time, and support to build a life you’re excited to live. Episode Topics Covered Finding community, friendships, and new hobbies in retirementHow retirement can create more time to care for aging parentsMoving from a regular paycheck to drawing income from investmentsWhy it’s worth exploring retirement at different agesUsing SHIP resources to navigate Medicare and Social SecurityComparing health insurance plans and understanding the details that matterPractical ways to use AI in everyday life— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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

  2. Oct 21

    “Can I Retire?” Julie’s Journey to a New Chapter

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline sits down with Julie to hear the story of her transition from a decades-long career in real estate to retirement. After working since she was a teenager and spending her career in real estate—including roles in IT, marketing, recruiting, brokerage leadership, and consulting—Julie reached a point where she began asking a question many people approaching retirement eventually face: Can I really retire? Julie shares what it was like to prepare for retirement while balancing work and caring for an aging parent, how she educated herself about Social Security and insurance, and the moment Matt confirmed that she was financially ready to make the transition. But retirement wasn't simply about leaving work. For Julie, it became an opportunity to build a new life. She talks about why she didn't experience the sense of loss or lack of purpose that some retirees describe, how she approached building new friendships and community, and why she sees retirement as a commencement—a chance to start something new. Julie also reflects on lessons she learned about money throughout her life, including the importance of being more engaged with your finances and investments rather than simply working hard and saving. This conversation offers a personal look at what retirement can actually feel like—from the uncertainty of asking “Can I do this?” to the excitement of realizing that you can. Episode Topics Covered Julie's Decades-Long Career in Real EstateThe Journey From Working to Consulting to RetirementCaring for an Aging Parent While WorkingPreparing Financially Before RetirementUnderstanding Social Security and InsuranceThe Emotional Moment of Realizing You Can RetireWhy Sometimes We Need Someone to Tell Us It's Okay to RetireLearning From Friends Who Retired Before YouLessons Julie Learned About Money Growing UpThe Importance of Being More Engaged With Your FinancesLearning From Your Parents' Approach to MoneyKnowing When It's Time to Make a ChangeBalancing Work, Family, and Personal ResponsibilitiesWhat Julie Did—and Didn't—Miss About WorkingFinding Community After RetirementBuilding New Friendships in RetirementSeeing Retirement as a Commencement, Not an EndingCreating a New Life After Your CareerThe Personal Side of Making the Decision to Retire— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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

  3. Oct 14

    Where Should Your Retirement Income Come From?

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline and Will Schroeder tackle one of the most important questions you'll face once the paychecks stop coming: Where should your retirement income actually come from? Your retirement savings may be spread across 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, taxable investments, cash, real estate, and other assets. But deciding which account to draw from first isn't simply a matter of picking the largest balance. Taxes, Medicare premiums, required minimum distributions, capital gains, and your future goals all play a role. Matt explains how a tax-aware “waterfall” approach can help determine where retirement income should come from and why the right strategy will look different for every household. He and Will discuss Roth withdrawals and conversions, taxable investments, required minimum distributions, charitable giving, estate planning, and how your income today can even affect future Medicare costs. They also answer an important question for anyone approaching retirement: How much safe money should you have set aside if the stock market misbehaves? With retirement potentially lasting decades, having a financial runway for the first few years can help prevent a market downturn from forcing major changes to your retirement plans. Matt and Will discuss the role of cash, short-term investments, and retirement guardrails in creating that flexibility. The goal isn't simply to avoid investment risk. It's to build a retirement income strategy that accounts for taxes, markets, and the unexpected—so you can spend your retirement years with more confidence and less stress. Episode Topics Covered Where Retirement Income Should Come FromCreating a Tax-Aware Retirement Withdrawal StrategyWhy Taxes Should Be Considered Before Choosing Which Account to Draw FromBuilding a Retirement “Tax Waterfall”Using Taxable Investments, Retirement Accounts, and Roth AssetsRoth Conversions and Retirement Income PlanningRequired Minimum DistributionsHow Retirement Income Can Affect Medicare PremiumsCapital Gains and When to Sell InvestmentsCharitable Giving and Retirement TaxesEstate Planning and Tax ConsiderationsWhy Every Retirement Income Strategy Is DifferentHow Much Safe Money You May Need Before RetirementPreparing for a Market Downturn Early in RetirementCreating a Three-to-Five-Year Financial RunwayThe Role of Cash and Short-Term InvestmentsBuilding Retirement GuardrailsProtecting the Early Years of RetirementWhy Retirement Planning Goes Beyond Investments— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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

  4. Oct 6

    Retirement Investing: Why Your Portfolio Still Needs to Grow

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline and Will Schroeder explore how your investment strategy needs to evolve as you transition from working and saving to retirement and spending. Many people assume retirement means moving everything into safer investments and getting out of the stock market altogether. But Matt explains why that approach may not provide the long-term growth needed to keep pace with inflation, rising expenses, and a potentially decades-long retirement. Instead of thinking about retirement as a switch from “risk” to “no risk,” Matt and Will discuss the importance of redefining risk and building a portfolio that balances safety, growth, flexibility, and income. They explore the role of cash and short-term bonds as a safety bucket, how sequence-of-returns risk can affect someone who experiences a market downturn early in retirement, and why having money that continues to grow can be important when you're planning for your 70s, 80s, and beyond. The conversation also looks at other risks retirees need to consider, including inflation, changing interest rates, unexpected health expenses, and the uncertainty of how long retirement may last. Rather than abandoning growth altogether, the goal is to build a retirement portfolio with enough buffers and flexibility to weather difficult markets while allowing long-term assets to continue working for you. Episode Topics Covered How Investing Changes When You RetireThe Shift From Saving to SpendingWhy Retirement Isn't a Simple Switch From Risk to No RiskSequence-of-Returns RiskWhat a Major Market Downturn Could Mean in Early RetirementWhy Inflation Is a Major Retirement RiskThe Role of Cash and Short-Term BondsBuilding a Retirement “Safety Bucket”Why Some Long-Term Growth Is Still ImportantWhy Retirees May Need to Stay InvestedRedefining What Investment Risk Means in RetirementBuilding Flexibility and Guardrails Into Your PlanHow Taxes and Interest Rates Affect Retirement InvestmentsPlanning for a Retirement That Could Last DecadesBalancing Safety, Growth, and IncomePreparing Your Portfolio for a Range of Outcomes— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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. Sep 30

    What to Do Before You Retire: Making the Most of Your 59½ Rebellion

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline and Will Schroeder continue their conversation about the 59½ Rebellion and explore what people can actually do during the years between 59½ and retirement. For many people, 59½ isn't a finish line. It's a window of opportunity—a chance to test drive retirement, make strategic tax decisions, rethink Social Security, prepare for future required minimum distributions, and figure out what life after work will actually cost. Matt explains why retirees often have more control over their tax situation during these years than they realize, including opportunities around capital gains, charitable giving, Roth conversions, and taxable assets. He and Will also discuss why Social Security shouldn't be treated as a simple “wait until 70” decision and why every family's circumstances can lead to a different answer. The conversation also tackles one of the biggest barriers to early retirement: healthcare before Medicare. Instead of assuming you have to work until 65, Matt encourages listeners to find out what healthcare will actually cost and consider whether alternatives could create more freedom. For those approaching their late 50s, the episode offers concrete steps to start taking now—from establishing spending guardrails and understanding your retirement income needs to test driving retirement and preparing for the years ahead. 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 What the 59½ Rebellion Really MeansHow to “Test Drive” Retirement Before Fully RetiringWhy You May Have More Control Over Your Taxes Than You ThinkManaging Capital Gains During the Transition to RetirementUsing Charitable Giving as Part of Your Tax StrategyDonating Appreciated StockRoth Conversions Before Required Distributions BeginHow Social Security Fits Into Retirement PlanningWhy Waiting Until 70 Isn't Always the Right AnswerSpousal and Survivor Social Security BenefitsThe Potential Surprise of Large Required Minimum DistributionsUsing Qualified Charitable DistributionsEstablishing Retirement Spending GuardrailsWhy Retirement Spending May Not Immediately DropPlanning for Healthcare Before MedicareHow Healthcare Costs Can Affect Early Retirement DecisionsChecking Your Social Security Record in Your 50sTaking a Sabbatical or Part-Time Work as a Retirement Test DriveWhy the Years Before Retirement Can Be a Valuable Planning WindowTurning the 59½ Rebellion Into a More Intentional Second Half of Life— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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

  6. Sep 23

    The Retirement Tax Traps Nobody Warns You About

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline and Will Schroeder take a closer look at one of the most important—and often overlooked—financial windows in retirement planning: the years between 59½ and 65. Many people think of 59½ simply as the age when they can access retirement accounts without the early-withdrawal penalty. But Matt explains why it can be much more than that. These years can create valuable opportunities to rethink your tax strategy, build taxable assets, explore Roth conversions, manage your tax brackets, and prepare for the years when required minimum distributions eventually begin. Matt and Will also discuss one of the biggest mistakes they see: waiting until 65 to start planning. By being proactive earlier, retirees may have more flexibility to shape how and when their money comes out—and potentially reduce some of the tax surprises that can come later. From Roth conversions and asset location to future RMDs and the tax implications of Social Security, this episode explores how the 59½ Rebellion can help you think differently about the transition into retirement. Whether you're approaching 59½, considering an early retirement, or already planning your next chapter, this episode offers practical ideas for making the most of this critical planning window. 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 59½ Can Be a Critical Tax-Planning WindowThe Biggest Tax Mistake People Make Before 65Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Medicare to Start PlanningBuilding a Taxable Asset Bucket Before RetirementRoth Conversions and When They May Make SenseManaging Your Tax Brackets in the Years Before RetirementThe Tax Impact of Required Minimum DistributionsWhy Large RMDs Can Create Future Tax ProblemsHow RMDs Can Affect Social Security TaxationAsset Location and Tax-Efficient InvestingManaging Capital Gains and DividendsPlanning for Concentrated Stock PositionsPreparing for Future Retirement Income NeedsUsing the 59½ Rebellion to Rethink Retirement PlanningWhy Proactive Tax Planning Can Create More Flexibility Later— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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. Sep 16

    Before You Retire: Questions to Put Your Retirement Plan Through the Ringer

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline and Will Schroeder take a step back and ask a bigger question: What does it really mean to be ready for retirement? Retirement planning isn't just about Social Security, Roth conversions, investment balances, or picking a date on the calendar. It's about preparing for the life you want while also making sure your plan can withstand the things you can't predict. Matt challenges the traditional question of “What do you want to retire to?” and offers a different perspective: What do you still want to accomplish before you retire? Your final years of work can be more than a countdown to the finish line—they can be an opportunity to accomplish a major professional goal, build a legacy, improve your health, or leave your career on your own terms. Matt and Will also discuss why it's critical to put your retirement plan through the ringer before you pull the trigger. What happens if the market drops during your first year of retirement? What if healthcare costs more than expected? What if your health changes? What if Social Security looks different than you anticipated? Rather than planning for one perfect outcome, the goal is to build enough flexibility and guardrails to handle a range of possibilities. As the 59½ Rebellion comes full circle, this episode encourages listeners to stop thinking of retirement as simply reaching the top of the mountain—and start thinking differently about the journey there. 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: PrairieFire Wealth book page Episode Topics Covered What You Want to Accomplish Before RetirementRethinking the Question “What Do You Want to Retire To?”Using Your Final Years of Work to Accomplish a Major GoalCreating a Professional Legacy Before You LeaveWhy Retirement Doesn't Have to Be a Hard StopPreparing Your Health for RetirementWhy Retirement Spending May Not DecreasePutting Your Retirement Plan Through the RingerPlanning for Market Downturns in Early RetirementCreating Spending GuardrailsPreparing for Unexpected Health EventsPlanning for Changes to Social SecurityBuilding Flexibility Into Your Retirement PlanPreparing for a Range of Possible OutcomesWhy Retirement Readiness Is About More Than MoneyTest Driving Retirement Before You CommitGiving Yourself Permission to Try Things DifferentlyThe 59½ Rebellion and Rethinking Traditional RetirementCreating a More Peaceful and Intentional Transition Into Retirement— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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

  8. Sep 9

    Are You Really Ready to Retire? The Questions You Need to Ask First

    In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline and Will Schroeder tackle one of the biggest questions facing anyone approaching retirement: Just because you can retire, does that mean you should? For many people, retirement represents freedom—the moment they've been working toward for decades. But before pulling the trigger, there are some important questions to answer. Do you know what you're actually spending each month? Have you tested what it feels like to live on your retirement income? Is your tax strategy ready for the transition? And does your spouse picture retirement the same way you do? Matt and Will explore why retirement planning isn't just about reaching a certain number in your investment accounts. It's about understanding the tradeoffs, preparing for unexpected expenses, and making sure your financial plan supports the life you actually want to live. They also discuss the importance of test-driving retirement before making it permanent. That could mean taking a sabbatical, experimenting with a different monthly spending level, taking more time away from work, or simply practicing what life might look like when your career is no longer filling your calendar. From knowing your real monthly income needs to preparing for taxes and future required minimum distributions, this episode offers practical questions to help you determine whether you're truly ready for your next chapter. 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: PrairieFire Wealth book page Episode Topics Covered Can You Retire vs. Should You Retire?Understanding the Tradeoffs of RetirementWhy Knowing Your Real Monthly Spending MattersHow to Find Your Actual Retirement Income NumberCreating a Retirement Spending RangePreparing for Unexpected ExpensesWhy Retirement Spending Can Be Higher Than ExpectedTest-Driving Retirement Before You CommitTaking a Sabbatical or Practicing Time Away From WorkGetting Comfortable With Taking Money Out Instead of SavingPreparing for the Emotional Side of Leaving WorkThe Importance of Community, Purpose, and Mental StimulationAvoiding Retirement Regret and Unexpected SurprisesWhy Your Tax Plan Needs to Be ReadyUnderstanding the Tax Treatment of Your Retirement AccountsTaxable Assets, Roth Conversions, and Future RMDsPreparing for the Tax Impact of Retirement IncomeMaking Sure Your Spouse Shares Your Vision for RetirementBuilding a Retirement Plan Around the Life You Actually Want— 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! Want to dive deeper into the 59½ Rebellion? Check out our 59½ Rebellion playlist on YouTube for more conversations, insights, and practical guidance on making the most of the years leading up to retirement. 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

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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
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
  • Show Website
    Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

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