Take Back Retirement Stephanie McCullough & Kevin Gaines

“Every single thing in my life that has ever terrorized me and terrified me, and I avoided like nobody's business, when I finally either had no place else to run, or I chose to turn around and face it, it has never been as bad as I thought it would be. It has never been as shameful as continuing to avoid.”
 
Our hosts Stephanie McCullough of Sofia Financial and Kevin Gaines of American Financial Management Group chat with Diann Wingert, a seasoned cognitive behavioral coach, about all things financial and mental well-being as a woman with ADHD.
 
Ever wondered how ADHD plays out differently in women? This episode shatters misconceptions, revealing why so many women slip through the cracks of diagnosis. Our hosts and Diann dissect the subtypes of ADHD, emphasizing the often overlooked inattentive presentation common in women. Diann’s journey to diagnosis at 60 underscores the urgency for awareness and tailored support. They tackle the daily battles and the broader societal implications, like the struggle with impulse control that can drive compulsive shopping and the resulting financial and emotional toll.
 
Finally, Stephanie, Kevin, and Diann wrap up with a powerful call to radical self-acceptance and the transformative effects of mindfulness in combating cognitive biases. Discover how embracing your unique ADHD traits can lead to more effective self-advocacy and stronger relationships. By adopting lifestyles that play to our strengths, women with ADHD can lead less stressful and more fulfilling lives. Tune in for a heart-to-heart that promises not only understanding but also actionable strategies for thriving with ADHD.
 
Key Topics:
Welcome, Diann Wingert (02:32) ADHD in Adults, and Differences in Presentation between Men and Women (04:26) ADHD Diagnosis and Management for Women and Implications of Different Subtypes (08:49) ADHD Challenges and Diann’s Experience with a 25-Year Gap in Diagnosis (13:54) The Challenges of Working from Home for Women with ADHD (18:43) ADHD, Impulsive Spending, and Other Financial Hurdles (22:45) Personal Finance, ADHD, and Mindfulness (27:11) Avoidance, Lack of Planning, and Other Financial Challenges (33:52) Overcoming Negative Self-Talk and Self-Doubt Through Mindfulness and Affirmations (39:01) Stephanie and Kevin’s Wrap-Up (52:46)  
 
Resources:
The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast DiannWingertCoaching.com  
 
If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com
 
You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.
 
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“It's not a line that you are either academic or creative, or you are either scientific or creative, or you are either mathematical…They're not separate.” -Claire Waite Brown
 
Ever felt like your creative spark got lost in the shuffle of life? Our hosts Stephanie McCullough of Sofia Financial and Kevin Gaines of American Financial Management Group sit down with Claire Waite Brown, the host of the Creativity Found Podcast and founder of CreativityFound.co.uk
 
Claire helps us break down the barriers that have kept us from embracing our inner artist, whether it's the false notion that creativity equals advanced skill or the stifling labels of our youth. Claire's stories of individuals who've rekindled their creative pursuits later in life are nothing short of inspiring, serving as a beacon for all of us looking to weave creativity back into our lives.
 
Our hosts and Claire dive into the world of creative hobbies, not just as pastimes, but as vital social and physical lifelines that enrich our existence and connect us to others. They explore the personal and practical obstacles that often hold us back from our creative endeavors, from limited resources to internal doubts. But here's the kicker: embracing creativity isn't just about picking up a paintbrush or a microphone; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth that's waiting for us to take the first step, at any stage of life.
 
 
Key Topics:
Welcome Claire Waite Brown! (02:35) Creativity, Self-Expression, and Labeling (03:10) The Benefits of Creative Hobbies for Adults (08:17) Creativity and Personal Growth (18:24) Creative Pursuits and the Challenges of Monetizing Them (23:48) Creative Journeys and Overcoming Challenges (28:38) Where to Re-Spark Your Creative Flame (33:01) Stephanie and Kevin’s Wrap-Up (38:40)  
 
Resources:
CreativityFound.co.uk Creativity Found Podcast  
 
If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com
 
You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.
 
Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 
Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

“I first ask this question: What is the number to make you feel successful? You and no one else. It might be a scary number. There’s nothing wrong with fear.” -Ella Glasgow
 
Ever felt the anxiety-inducing pressure of pinning a price tag on your brainchild? Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines break that down with guest Ella Glasgow, who's not only a virtual event maestro and vocalist but also a sage when it comes to the alchemy of pricing your services.
 
Our hosts and Ella steer into the heart of the matter, unveiling the concept of a financial success number—a personalized number that varies wildly between individuals. The journey here is not just about the figures; it's a deep dive into the psyche, untangling the knotted threads of fear that often sway our financial direction. This episode guides you through the practical steps, almost like a financial recipe, to define, calculate, and strategize your way from your present financial landscape to your very own vision of success.
 
The episode crescendos with an exploration into the intersection of self-assurance and the daunting task of pricing one's worth. Charging for services can often feel like a tightrope walk over a chasm of self-doubt. Yet, this chat reveals how to transform that trepidation into tenacity by pricing based on value and not the whispers of fear. With Ella's insights and personal stories of triumph, this episode isn't just a conversation—it's a confidence booster shot for entrepreneurs (current and potential!) ready to stand tall and claim their worth in the marketplace.
 
 
Key Topics:
Welcome, Ella Glasgow! (02:12) How Ella Arrived to this Work (05:00) Understanding Money and Business for Creatives (09:02) Success and Financial Goals through Personalized Equation (13:39) Budgeting and Financial Success (18:07) Personal Growth through Financial Literacy (22:10) Pricing Your Worth and Confidence in Business (27:48) Using AI Tools for Market Research and Understanding Audience Needs (38:25) Retirement Planning and Financial Goals (43:36) Stephanie and Kevin’s Takeaways (44:30)  
 
Resources:
Ella Glasgow on LinkedIn BeyondVirtualEvents.com Dream Ignition Bootcamp: Ella’s Course she’s offering for $97 for listeners of Take Back Retirement  
 
 
If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com
 
You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.
 
Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 
Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

“If they're only worried about that current year, then that's what they're going to focus on. Let your accountant know, ‘I'm interested in what my tax bill's going to be three, five years down the road. So, if there's something we need to be doing, let's have a conversation.’”
Tax season is among us. Or as Kevin would sing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Whether you share Kevin’s sentiment, or not so much, you’ll want to tune into this one as our hosts Kevin Gaines and Stephanie McCullough peel back the curtain on the world of tax preparation, sharing their own stories of triumph and tribulation. Their chat isn't just theory; they offer actionable tips and stress the importance of software as a reliable sidekick, ensuring you can step into tax season with your head held high and your numbers in order.
 
Gathering tax documents can feel like a scavenger hunt. Stephanie and Kevin break down the must-have forms, from W-2s to various 1099s, and share strategies for proactively obtaining them, sometimes needing to look beyond the mailbox to online portals. They delve into the importance of keeping an organized record of deductible expenses for smoother and more accurate reporting.
 
This conversation is designed to help you understand the vital details so that you can either compile your documents like a pro or hand them off to one without a hitch. So join in, and let's chart a course through the fiscal galaxy, armed with knowledge and a dash of humor, because taxes don't have to be all that taxing, after all.
 
 
Key Topics:
Tax Season is Here! DIY vs Professional Help (02:09) Tax Preparation and Documentation (10:52) Tax Planning and Strategies for Small Business Owners (15:45) Tax Planning, Retirement Savings and IRAs (20:45) Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement Accounts and Income Brackets (26:18) Wrap-Up (29:40)  
 
Resources:
Take Back Retirement Episode 82: Getting the Most from Social Security: Smart Strategies for Women with Heather Schreiber Take Back Retirement Episode 20: Women + Roth IRA’s – What Should You Be Aware Of? Take Back Retirement Episode 12: What Women Need to Know About IRA’s, with Sarah Brenner Take Back Retirement Episode 27: Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s): What Women Need to Know  
 
 
If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com
 
You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.
 
Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 
Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

“If you're looking at the costs of medical expenses over time, they've actually historically grown faster than regular inflation. Healthcare is expensive, and it goes up faster than the rest of your spending; don’t overlook it.”
 
Listen in as our hosts, Stephanie McCullough of Sofia Financial, and Kevin Gaines of American Financial Management Group tackle the critical yet often underestimated topic of healthcare costs in retirement. They uncover the harsh reality that healthcare expenses can become a significant financial burden if not properly accounted for in your retirement plan. Shedding light on the unpredictable nature of health and the associated costs, they stress the importance of being prepared for more than just your mortgage or grocery bills. They also debunk the common misconceptions around Medicare and long-term care.
 
Stephanie and Kevin explore the complexities of managing retirement funds with future taxes in mind. They highlight the strategies to mitigate the tax hit when withdrawing from IRAs and 401(k)s, and how these can impact your Medicare premiums through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Learn about the benefits of Roth conversions and how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Roth accounts can be powerful tools in reducing your tax burden. They also discuss the 'widow penalty' in tax brackets and the need for strategic planning, especially when it comes to Social Security and the real rate of medical expense inflation. This episode is packed with insights to help you secure your financial health.
 
Key Topics:
Healthcare Expenses in Retirement Planning (02:25) Medicare Costs and Supplemental Insurance (04:36) Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) (06:58) Medical Expenses Planning for Retirement and Tax Implications (13:09) Spouses of Different Ages Who Want to Retire Simultaneously (17:46) Inherited IRAs, Tax Brackets, and the Widow Penalty (18:38) Inflation Rates and Medical Expenses (21:56) Wrap-Up (24:18)  
Resources:
Request to lower an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Take Back Retirement Episode 21: Simplifying Medicare: What’s Important For You To Know with Susan Sloan Take Back Retirement Episode 62: What Women Need to Know About Longevity Take Back Retirement Episode 27: Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s): What Women Need to Know  
 
 
If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com
 
You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.
 
Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 
Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

“If you know about a certain scam, you're 80% less likely to engage with it. So, please tell everybody you know.” -Kathy Stokes
 
Could your loved ones be vulnerable to a $9 billion wave of deception? Kathy Stokes from AARP joins our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines to unravel the complexities of fraud that's sweeping the nation, hitting older adults the hardest. With victims often bearing the burden of shame, they’re challenging the stigma and equipping you with the knowledge to identify scams and shield your family.
 
Amidst the digital age, where swindlers lurk behind screens, this episode takes a hard look at the emotional web of online romance scams, originating from the most unexpected places like vacant Cambodian casinos. The conversation navigates through the tactics of cybercriminals as they exploit trust for financial gain.
 
Stephanie, Kevin, and Kathy outline the actionable steps every individual should consider, from skepticism towards unsolicited communication to the merits of credit freezes. AARP's robust network of fraud-fighting volunteers and their educational resources are just a call or click away, serving as your allies in the battle against fraudsters who target your wallet and well-being.
 
 
Key Topics:
Welcome Kathy Stokes! (01:47) Financial Fraud’s Impact on Victims, Specifically Elders (02:33) Phone Scams and How to Identify Them (11:25) Protecting Seniors from Scams (18:11) Law Enforcement Response to Financial Scams (22:33) Online Safety and Cybersecurity (33:36) AARP, Getting Direct Support (42:44) Stephanie’s and Kevin’s Takeaways (47:12)  
 
Resources:
FWN@aarp.org Victim Helpline 877-908-3360 CryptoScam from Wall Street Journal (free podcast): https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/pig-butchering-a-texting-scam-with-a-crypto-twist/296e499f-ba82-46f2-ade9-5b70710d558e NPR story on crypto scam https://www.npr.org/2023/06/25/1180256165/crypto-scam-senior-victims-spirebit  
 
 
If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com
 
You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.
 
Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 
Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.