In this episode of Reverse Mortgage & Beyond, host Cheryl Scheidell with Barrett Financial Group sits down with financial educator and retirement strategist Betty Pecha for an eye-opening conversation about what retirement planning really means—especially for widows, women in transition, and those facing “gray divorce.” Betty shares why having retirement accounts is not the same as having a retirement plan, how taxes and timing can dramatically impact long-term income, and why education—not fear—should drive financial decisions. Together, Cheryl and Betty explore how housing wealth, reverse mortgages, and smart financial sequencing can work alongside traditional retirement strategies to create stability, flexibility, and peace of mind. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why a 401(k), IRA, or pension alone does not equal a retirement plan The difference between qualified, non-qualified, and Roth accounts—and how they’re taxed Why “50/50” divorce settlements may not be financially equal long-term The importance of sequencing income to reduce taxes and extend retirement funds How Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can impact taxes and Social Security Why liquidity matters—especially for healthcare, emergencies, and aging expenses Betty’s “gardening analogy” for building a sustainable retirement income strategy How reverse mortgages can complement—not replace—financial planning Why having a clear plan reduces emotional decision-making during life transitions Who This Episode Is For ✔️ Pre-retirees and retirees ✔️ Widows and women navigating financial transitions ✔️ Seniors concerned about taxes, income, and longevity ✔️ Families planning for healthcare and aging in place ✔️ Anyone who wants clarity instead of confusion about retirement Cheryl Scheidell is a reverse mortgage specialist with over 20 years in the mortgage industry and more than a decade dedicated to reverse mortgages. She is passionate about educating seniors, families, and professionals on how housing wealth can be used strategically to support aging, independence, and retirement security. Catch Cheryl every week on her radio show: “Is A Reverse Mortgage Right for You?” 📻 Sundays at 3:30 PM on AM960. Contact Cheryl Scheidell If you’d like to explore your options or simply want education tailored to your situation, Cheryl is happy to help. Reverse Mortgage Specialist | NMLS #886425 📞 480-817-4324 📧 cheryls@barrettfinancial.com ▶️ YouTube: @reversemortgageandbeyond 🌐 ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW Reverse Mortgage & Beyond so more people can discover these meaningful conversations. About the Guest Betty Pecha is a financial educator and retirement strategist who specializes in helping people—especially women—navigate retirement with confidence. With a background in legal compliance and financial education, Betty focuses on creating clear, understandable plans that help clients make thoughtful decisions over the long term, not emotional ones in moments of stress. Financial Educator & Retirement Strategist A&M Futures 📞 602-524-9230 📧 betty@amfuturesllc.com #ReverseMortgage, #RetirementPlanning, #AgingInPlace, #FinancialEducation, #WidowsSupport, #SeniorFinance, #HomeEquity, #WomenAndMoney, #RetireWithConfidence, #ReverseMortgageAndBeyond Disclaimer: Cheryl Scheidell | NMLS #886425 | Barrett Financial Group, LLC. | NMLS #181106 | 2701 East Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286 | AZ 0904774 | NV 5091] OR | TX view complaint policy at barrettfinancial.com/texas-complaint. Information discussed is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, financial, or cybersecurity advice and does not constitute a loan offer or credit decision.. Reverse mortgage programs are subject to eligibility, underwriting, and approval. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines are subject to change. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. | Equal Housing Opportunity | Equal Housing Lender | This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval. | nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/181106
