Money on Your Mind

Edelman Financial Engines

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

  1. 6d ago

    Ep 41: Has funding higher education changed? - with Nefertari Ward

    Financial professional Nefertari Ward is who our plannerscall with complicated questions about student loans. And with the changes enacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill, there are *a lot* of questions—and anxiety. In this episode, Nefertari and host Michael Liersch talk about how college became so expensive in the first place, and how to support a studentfinancially without risking your own retirement. Nefertari also has thoughts about the amount ofresponsibility a student should have for funding their education, how early to start saving (junior year of high school might be too late), the funding sources to exhaust before taking out loans, and the consequences of delayingrepayment. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman FinancialEngines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments haveinherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary. © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by FinancialEngines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced October 2026. AM6011321

  2. Oct 7

    Ep 40: How do I feel better about my money? - with Mark Cano

    Money carries a lot more emotional baggage than numbers can show. It’s deeply personal—and any perceived failures might drive your behavior for decades. Financial planner Mark Cano knows personally that even the most educated people need help to find perspective on their personal history with money, and what they want to do with it next. It’s all about feeling like you’re in control.     Listen to this episode for a discussion with host Michael Liersch and Mark about the emotions and behaviors behind our money moves. They have guidance for anyone feeling too afraid to spend their hard-earned wealth, overestimating how much money you need, why Mark suggests re-evaluating your needs every 2-3 years, and more.         Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.      Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.    © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced October 2026. AM5989662

  3. Sep 30

    Special Episode: Talking Financial Mistakes with Michael Liersch

    At the end of every conversation, we ask financial planners, “What’s the biggest mistake people are making with their money?” This week’s episode is a special compilation of their best insights. And if you recognize yourself in these examples, give yourself some grace. We’re all human, and the first step to fixing a problem is identifying it.

 We’ll be back next week with a new financial plannerconversation. Subscribe so you don’t miss it.   Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman FinancialEngines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments haveinherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.  Information regarding estate planning should not beconstrued as tax or legal advice and is for general informational purposesonly. Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offertax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances. © 2026 EdelmanFinancial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark ofEdelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by FinancialEngines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certainservices provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are notguaranteed. Produced September 2026. AM5968689

  4. Sep 23

    Ep 38: Is there a wrong way to name beneficiaries? - with Rodney Weaver

    Naming beneficiaries may feel like simple paperwork, but it’s actually the beginning of a complex process that financial planners wish you knew more about. In this episode, Director of Estate Planning Rodney Weaver is in the studio talking with host Michael Liersch about what can happen if you don’t stay on top of this task as your life evolves. Learn more about what a beneficiary designation means, who (or what) can be named a beneficiary, and why the designation is so important.  Rodney and Michael also discuss how assets end up in a lengthy legal process called probate and how beneficiaries override instructions in your trust or will. Rodney also shares real stories of situations where beneficiary designations weren’t buttoned up and the consequences of not keeping beneficiaries current. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.  Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances. © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced September 2026. AM5945301

  5. Sep 16

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

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

  6. Sep 9

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

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

  7. Sep 2

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

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

  8. Aug 26

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

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

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

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

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