Money Sense

Ellenbecker Investment Group
  • 5.0 (2)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Money Sense is your trusted guide to building true wealth—beyond just money. Hosted by Karen Ellenbecker, founder and senior wealth advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), this weekly podcast helps you make confident decisions about your finances, health, and legacy. For over 35 years, Karen and the EIG Wealth Advisors have combined financial planning expertise with insights from economists, attorneys, authors, tax professionals, and other thought leaders. Each episode explores how to align your money with your values, create a life you love, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re planning for retirement, navigating taxes, or simply looking for financial clarity, Money Sense delivers practical strategies and inspiring conversations to help you live with purpose. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and start building wealth that makes sense—for your life and your legacy.

  1. 20H AGO

    Credit Scores, Debt, and Buying A Home

    With Americans carrying over $1.27 trillion in credit card debt, understanding how credit actually works and how it impacts homeownership is more important than ever. In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel, wealth advisor and director of client experience at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Ben Revak, senior loan advisor at ProVisor Inc., for a practical conversation about credit scores, consumer debt and buying a home. They break down common myths around credit card debt, explain what truly affects a credit score, and discuss why having debt does not automatically disqualify someone from homeownership. The episode also explores the difference between good and bad debt, how to prepare financially before buying a home, and what buyers should consider when thinking about mortgage rates and timing the market. 00:00 Why Credit Scores Matter 01:40 Credit Card Debt & Homeownership Myths 07:33 What Really Makes Up a Credit Score 15:55 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt (Mortgages Explained) 20:35 How to Prepare for Buying a Home 30:15 Mortgage Rates, Timing the Market & What to Know Now  New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most. #MoneySense #Homeownership #CreditScoreTips #DebtEducation #MortgageBasics #FinancialWellBeing #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    36 min

  2. APR 21

    Charitable Giving and Your Financial Plan

    How can generosity fit seamlessly into your financial plan and maximize tax efficiency? In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Heather Deaton explore how charitable giving can fit into a well‑rounded financial plan. They discuss how generosity can be both personal and strategic, while still supporting long‑term family and financial goals. The conversation is grounded in the Five T’s of Philanthropy: time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony. Using real examples, they highlight the many ways individuals and families can give back beyond writing a check. 00:00 Why Philanthropy Is Core to the EIG Culture 03:40 Defining Your “Why” in Charitable Giving 07:30 The Five T’s of Philanthropy 12:45 Volunteering & Real‑World Impact 18:10 Securities, DAFs & Tax Efficiency 28:50 QCDs, RMDs & Retirement‑Based Giving 34:40 Legacy Giving, Estate Planning & Beneficiaries 41:20 Final Takeaways #MoneySensePodcast #CharitableGiving #FinancialPlanning #Philanthropy #LegacyPlanning #TaxEfficientGiving #ValuesBasedPlanning ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group

    45 min

  3. APR 14

    Setting Kids Up for Financial Success

    How do you raise kids who feel confident making money decisions? In this episode, wealth advisors Kristina Schnuckel and Heather Deaton share how their own families have approached allowances, saving, and early financial decisions, alongside what they see working with clients and their kids. 00:00 Raising Money-Confident Kids 05:00 Allowances, Chores, and Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility 09:15 Savings vs. Spending and Building Impulse Control 13:00 Teaching Kids About Charitable Giving and Family Values 14:10 Helping Kids Understand Money Through Cash Flow and Spending Awareness 26:00 Savings, Investing, and Financial Accounts for Kids 36:45 Launching Kids into Adulthood with Financial Confidence #MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning #MoneyLessonsForKids #KidsAndMoney #TeachingKidsAboutMoney #RaisingMoneyConfidentKids #FinancialParenting ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    40 min

  4. APR 7

    Mortgage Planning in a High-Rate Environment

    Mortgage rates may be higher than what many homeowners and buyers have grown used to in recent years, but thoughtful planning can still open the door to smart opportunities. In this episode, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Tammy Niemann explore today’s mortgage landscape and how it fits into your overall financial plan, drawing on Tammy’s deep lending background and Jamie’s planning‑first perspective. Mortgage Lending Then vs. Now Understanding Today’s Interest Rate Environment Mortgage Options and Borrowing Strategies Credit, Income, and Mortgage Approval Specialized Lending: Second Homes, Construction, and Renovations Home Equity Lines of Credit Integrating Mortgage Decisions into Financial Planning #MoneySensePodcast #MortgagePlanning #FinancialPlanning #RealEstateStrategy #FiduciaryAdvice #WealthPlanning #Homeownership #InterestRates #SmarterBorrowing #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    40 min

  5. MAR 31

    Q1 2026 Economic Update & Outlook

    Early 2026 opened with optimism around AI, but rising oil prices and geopolitical tension quickly shifted sentiment. Mike Roth explains what changed, why rate cuts may be fewer than expected, and where volatility creates both risk and opportunity. 00:00 Welcome to Money Sense 02:04 Q1 2026 Market Overview 06:34 Why AI Is Driving Market Volatility 15:55 Iran, Oil Shocks & Global Market Impact 21:03 The Fog of War: Headlines vs Reality 23:32 Interest Rates & Fed Cuts in 2026 24:46 AI Winners, Losers & Valuation Shifts 29:39 Understanding Private Credit 37:47 How Today’s Economy Affects Everyday Life #MarketOutlook #EconomicUpdate #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #Geopolitics #OilPrices #AIInvesting #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #PrivateCredit #MarketVolatility #MoneySensePodcast ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    45 min

  6. MAR 24

    Legacy Planning Made Simple for Every Family

    Take the mystery out of legacy planning, no matter your age or stage. Estate planning attorney Erick Fabyan breaks down the conversations, documents, and decisions families should consider before they matter. From wills and trusts to beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, family conversations, and end‑of‑life instructions, this episode offers a practical roadmap for beginning—or updating—your estate plan. Jamie and Eric also share real stories and clear examples that reveal why planning early matters, how to avoid common mistakes, and the small steps that provide major peace of mind. What We Cover: ✅ Why every adult needs basic estate planning documents ✅ The difference between wills and trusts (and why most families benefit from a trust) ✅ How beneficiary designations work—and the pitfalls to avoid ✅ Choosing powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions ✅ Keeping your documents current and aligned with your wishes ✅ Planning for funeral expenses and ensuring liquidity ✅ How to structure family conversations that prevent conflict ✅ Digital legacy planning (passwords, online accounts, phone access & more) Whether you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, this conversation will help you take the next right step with confidence. #EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #FinancialPlanning #EndOfLifePlanning #TrustsAndWills #BeneficiaryDesignations #PowersOfAttorney #FamilyFinances #FinancialWellbeing #MoneySensePodcast #EIG #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup #FinancialEducation ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    50 min

  7. MAR 17

    Tax Planning as a Cornerstone of Financial Wellness

    Tax planning plays a critical role in financial success. In this episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Sandra Geisler, Director of Tax Planning at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to explore how thoughtful tax decisions today can strengthen your retirement, reduce surprises, and help your money work smarter for you. Karen and Sandra break down 2026 tax law changes, the importance of planning ahead, and the strategies retirees often overlook. They also share how to strategically manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), use Roth IRAs and tax‑efficient accounts to your advantage, and apply gifting rules to protect your estate and support the causes you care about. Why does this matter? Because without proactive planning, you risk higher taxes and a less efficient path toward the legacy you hope to leave. #TaxPlanning #TaxStrategy #RetirementPlanning #TaxAdvice #SocialSecurityPlanning #RMDPlanning #QCDs #2026TaxChanges #WealthManagement #MoneySensePodcast ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    27 min

  8. MAR 10

    Mortgages Made Simple for Today’s Homebuyers

    If the mortgage process feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Wealth Advisor Kristina Schnuckel and Loan Officer Ben Revak join Money Sense to simplify rates, lenders, and the steps every buyer should understand before making an offer. Together, they break down the key differences between purchases and refinances, why transparency from your lender matters, how rate locks actually work, and the questions every borrower should ask to avoid last‑minute stress at closing. Ben also shares his educational approach, the importance of selecting the right loan officer, and the biggest mistakes he sees homebuyers make, plus how to prevent them. Connect with Ben Revak at Ben@ProVisor.com or provisor.com/team/ben-revak. #MortgageEducation #HomebuyingTips #MortgageAdvice #MoneySensePodcast #EIG ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Money Sense is your trusted guide to building true wealth—beyond just money. Hosted by Karen Ellenbecker, founder and senior wealth advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), this weekly podcast helps you make confident decisions about your finances, health, and legacy. For over 35 years, Karen and the EIG Wealth Advisors have combined financial planning expertise with insights from economists, attorneys, authors, tax professionals, and other thought leaders. Each episode explores how to align your money with your values, create a life you love, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re planning for retirement, navigating taxes, or simply looking for financial clarity, Money Sense delivers practical strategies and inspiring conversations to help you live with purpose. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and start building wealth that makes sense—for your life and your legacy.

Information

  • Creator
    Ellenbecker Investment Group
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    382
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © Ellenbecker
  • Show Website
    Money Sense