Shows
Retire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Retiring to a Life You Love in Portugal with Glenda Cole (Ep. 28)What if you could retire to a life that feels like a storybook dream? In this latest episode of Retire to a Life You Love®, Michelle Gessner, CFP®, reconnects with Glenda Cole who is living an idyllic retirement in Portugal. Known for her vibrant lifestyle in the Algarve region, Glenda shares insights into why Portugal is capturing the hearts of so many Americans considering overseas retirement. From the amazing weather to the camaraderie with locals and expats, Glenda paints a picture of her life that may have you booking a one-way ticket!
Michelle and Glenda discuss:
Wh...2025-05-0830 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Client Concierge and Paperwork Queen: How Lauren Morris Makes Your Life Easier at Gessner Wealth Strategies (Ep. 27)Join Michelle Gessner, CFP®, as she welcomes Lauren Morris, the client services extraordinaire at Gessner Wealth Strategies. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes skills on simplifying the financial complexities that often perplex us. Whether it’s navigating the ins and outs of accessing funds, ensuring tax efficiency, managing paperwork with Schwab, and knowing what questions to ask, or better safeguarding finances with seamless bank links, Lauren’s insights are invaluable.
Discover how Gessner Wealth Strategies strives to enhance your overall financial well-being through proactive management and exceptional client support.
Michelle and Lauren discuss:
[00:03:03] How new clients can ea...2025-04-1026 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®You Got Laid Off – Now What? 10 Important Steps to Take (Ep.26 )What do you do when life throws you a curveball, like an unexpected job layoff?
Join Michelle Gessner, CFP®, on navigating the uncertainty of job loss and crafting a viable plan forward. Michelle shares her personal layoff experience post-9/11, and delves into ten essential action steps everyone should consider when faced with sudden unemployment. From prioritizing self-care to understanding health insurance options and other items you may not have thought about, Michelle offers guidance on protecting your assets and planning for your future.
Michelle discusses:
Self-care strategies to maintain your wellbeing and resilience during to...2025-03-1327 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®How To Find the Right Financial Advisor (Ep.25)What are the right questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor?
Knowing what to ask can differentiate between retiring comfortably and facing unexpected challenges.
Join CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Michelle Gessner to discover the critical questions you should ask when searching for a financial advisor – and the three questions you should ask yourself when deciding if the expense is worth the benefits. She provides a comprehensive checklist that can guide you in selecting the right professional to help you achieve your retirement goals.
Top takeaways from today’s episode:
The importance of fiduciar...2025-01-1632 min
Trial Lawyer PrepWhat is Trial Strategy and What it is NOT for Trial Lawyers [Ep131]Join Elizabeth Larrick as she shares insights on developing trial strategies that resonate with juries. This episode is designed for trial lawyers seeking to enhance their courtroom success by focusing on a comprehensive strategy rather than just meeting deadlines or relying on emotional narratives. Elizabeth delves into the importance of using focus groups to anticipate jury reactions and prepare multiple contingency plans for trial preparation. Gain tips on crafting compelling narratives, prioritizing crucial information, and employing strategic questioning. Learn how to sequence witnesses and evidence to streamline your courtroom presentation. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of flexibility in...2025-01-1515 minTrial Lawyer PrepHow Michelle Gessner Won a $22 Million Dollar Verdict Against Wells Fargo Part 2 [Ep129]In this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, we delve into the role that focus groups can play in legal trials. This episode explores whether focus groups are worth the investment, as we continue our conversation with Michelle Gessner. Through a case study involving Wells Fargo, Michelle shares her experience in utilizing focus groups to anticipate juror reactions and refine legal strategies, ultimately providing an edge in the courtroom. This episode underscores the financial considerations and potential rewards of employing focus groups, highlighting how they can reveal juror perceptions and help counteract defense tactics. Moreover, the episode sheds...2024-12-1824 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Holding More Stocks and Less Bonds: Commentary from our Expert Investment Team (Ep. 24)How do elections and rate changes affect your investment portfolio?
Join Michelle for an engaging conversation with John Archbold and James Yahoudy, two members of the expert investment team supporting Gessner Wealth Strategies called Aptus Capital Advisors. Together, they explore the dynamic world of investments, unpacking Aptus’ unique investment philosophy and the potential impact of recent events, like elections, on your portfolio. With decades of experience, John and James share actionable insights and proven strategies to help you navigate market changes with confidence.
Key conversations include:
Understanding the historical market performance trends during election cy...2024-12-1237 minTrial Lawyer PrepHow Michelle Gessner Won a $22 Million Dollar Verdict Against Wells Fargo Part 1 [Ep 128]Join us as we delve into the remarkable $22 million verdict achieved by trial lawyer Michelle Gessner against Wells Fargo. Michelle shares her strategic approach to a high-stakes case involving the wrongful termination of a Wells Fargo employee who requested a work-from-home accommodation under the ADA. This episode is packed with insights for trial lawyers, highlighting the value of focus groups in shaping trial strategy and boosting confidence. Discover how focus groups can refine your opening statements and jury selection, even when limited to a 20-minute voir dire. Michelle also discusses the challenges of maintaining focus group confidentiality when faced...2024-12-0436 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®How Are My Social Security Benefits Taxed? (Ep. 23)How much of your Social Security Benefits do you keep after taxes? How can you better plan your taxes to reduce the amount taken from your Social Security during retirement?
In this episode, Michelle Gessner, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, dives into the nuances of how your Social Security benefits are taxed. She unravels the complexities and explores strategies so you can potentially reduce those taxes.
From understanding provisional income to leveraging Roth IRAs, Michelle sheds light on critical steps that could impact your financial future.
Michelle discusses:
The intricacies of how Social Security be...2024-11-1423 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Important Tax Mistakes to Avoid {That CPAs Wish You Knew} (Ep.22)In this episode, Michelle Gessner sits down with Madison Ross, co-founder of Ross & Connor LLP, a CPA firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. Together, they dive into why proactive tax planning and working with professionals is essential to avoid costly mistakes and optimize tax strategies.
Madison, an expert in small business, real estate, and individual taxation, shares common tax pitfalls to avoid, including the main problem with gifting property during your lifetime to loved ones, why titling real estate to an S-corporation may not be a good idea for business owners, tax essentials for cryptocurrency owners and...2024-10-1024 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Will Social Security Run Out of Money and Optimizing Your Benefits (Ep. 21)If you want to make the most of your Social Security benefits, this episode is a must-listen!
Join Michelle Gessner as she breaks down the facts behind the Social Security debate—will it run out, or is it just a myth? Plus, Michelle shares essential strategies whether you’re married, divorced, or a surviving spouse, to help you secure every dollar you deserve.
Don’t miss out! Listen now and empower yourself with Michelle’s expert guidance to navigate the complexities of Social Security with confidence.
Resources:
Starting Your Retirement Benefits...2024-09-1225 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Behind The Curtain: What You Need To Know About Annuities (Ep.20)Are annuities a smart addition to your retirement portfolio?
Join Michelle as she breaks down different types of annuities—fixed, fixed index, and variable annuities—explaining how they can fit into a comprehensive financial plan. Understand the tax advantages and risks associated with each type, and learn why annuities might not be as bad as you think, if used in moderation and understood.
Featuring practical examples, this episode aims to educate and empower you to make informed decisions about your financial future.
Key episode discussion points include:
The difference between fixed annuities and fi...2024-08-0830 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Retirement Checklist: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself (Ep.19)Are you ready for retirement? Let’s find out!
On today’s show, Michelle Gessner, CFP® shares a checklist that includes six questions to ask and answer before you decide to hang up your career hat.
With her co-host, Michelle discusses the necessity of professional help with investments, the decision to retain money in an employer’s retirement plan, and the importance of stress-testing your retirement strategy.
She also shares some key insights on finding purpose in retirement, ensuring both financial security and personal fulfillment.
By listening to this episode, you will:...2024-07-1134 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Long-Term Disability Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Ep.18)Are you undervaluing the importance of long-term disability insurance in your financial plan? This episode reveals the common myths and misunderstandings that could cost you and your loved ones dearly. Michelle dives into why even retirees need to grasp the nuances of disability insurance policies and how overlooking the benefits could expose gaps in your … Read More Read More2024-06-1326 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement – Planning for Happiness in the Next Chapter of Your Life with Sue Mintz (Ep.17)While it’s widely acknowledged that retirement involves careful financial planning, its essence extends far beyond mere numbers – a facet often overlooked. Today, Sue Mintz, a certified retirement transition coach, unravels the intricacies of crafting a comprehensive retirement strategy that embraces the full spectrum of considerations. Sue highlights that retirement should be viewed as a … Read More Read More2024-05-0929 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Turning Your Hobby Into a Paid Passion with Lee Rathbun (Ep.16)“Find a job you’ll love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”’ But how? Michelle Gessner is joined by special guest Lee Rathbun, a part-time sports official who shares his journey of turning his hobby into a paid gig. They explore the theme of “What are you going to do in retirement,” emphasizing … Read More Read More2024-04-1127 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Medicare: A Comprehensive Guide with Joanne Giardini Russell (Ep.15)After the successful release of “Understanding Medicare: A Guide for Beginners,” Michelle was prompted to ask Joanne Giardini Russell back to the show to provide a deeper look into Medicare. Let’s gain further knowledge about how to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare and insurance options as Michelle and Joanne discuss: Recommendations to prepare for … Read More Read More2024-03-1431 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Retiring Abroad: How Glenda Cole is Living Her Storybook Life in Portugal (Ep.14)A lot of us spend time planning for our retirement from a financial perspective, which I will never tell you is a bad thing. However, how much thought have you given to HOW you will spend your retirement? Everyone deserves to Retire to a Life You Love®, and today’s guest has done just that! Glenda … Read More Read More2024-02-0832 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Top Takeaways from 2023 (Ep.13)A new year provides opportunities for growth and self-improvement, and this extends to your finances too! But before we look too far ahead, let’s revisit a few 2023 episodes of Retire To A Life You Love® for the top takeaways that you can carry into the new year. Gain insight as Michelle highlights practical reminders … Read More Read More2024-01-1133 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®End-of-Year Tax Tips with Michelle Gessner, CFP® (Ep.12)As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Michelle understands how confusing all of the rules, guidelines, and restrictions surrounding taxes can be. That is why she has dedicated this episode to helping you maximize your tax benefits before year-end. Join Michelle as she provides a few simple strategies, breaks down financial terms and jargon, and explains … Read More Read More2023-12-0734 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®5 Signs It’s Time To Fire Your Financial Advisor (Ep.11)In today’s world of relationships, if you are ignored, you’re being ‘ghosted.’ Basically, the person doing the ghosting has decided that they no longer care about you. Do you feel this way about your financial advisor? If they don’t regularly communicate, share market advice or insights, or return your calls, you are likely being ghosted. … Read More Read More2023-11-0922 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®The Importance of Personal Risk Management with Ryan Kaiser (Ep.10)If you go outside when it is raining, you take an umbrella to keep you from getting wet. When you ride in a car, you put on your seatbelt to keep you safe. But what do you do to safeguard your finances? Taking proper precautions for the safety of your assets and finances is just … Read More Read More2023-10-1235 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®How to Avoid Common Retirement Planning Mistakes (Ep.9)Planning for your retirement is not black and white. It’s not cookie-cutter, or one-size-fits-all. And because there is no universal template when it comes to retirement planning, it’s important that your plan is tailored to your lifestyle and how you envision your post-work life. In this episode, Michelle provides ten strategies to help you avoid … Read More Read More2023-09-1437 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Master Your Tax Planning For Retirement with Sarah Brenner (Ep. 8)Join Michelle Gessner, CFP ® as she chats with tax attorney and educator Sarah Brenner from Ed Slott and Company, LLC. With over 20 years of experience, Sarah has become a trusted resource for financial advisors and their clients across the nation. Listen as she shares her insights on how you can navigate through the … Read More Read More2023-08-1032 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Planning Beyond Today: A Look at Long-Term Care Planning (Ep. 7)Don’t wait for tomorrow, next week, or next month to figure out your long-term care plan. Now is the time to equip yourself with knowledge so you can properly plan for your future. In this thought-provoking episode, Michelle Gessner, CFP® and host of the Retire To A Life You Love® podcast walks listeners through long-term … Read More Read More2023-07-1328 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Estate Planning and the Possibility for Long-Term Care with Kim Hegwood (Ep. 6)Aging is a reality that none of us can escape, and planning for it can be daunting. In this episode, Kim Hegwood, Owner and Managing Attorney of Your Legacy Legal Care, emphasizes the importance of planning for long-term care, regardless of age. Through her extensive experience, Kim has seen firsthand the financial and emotional toll … Read More Read More2023-06-0829 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®How to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes (Ep. 5)We’ve all heard horror stories, or know someone that wasn’t prepared and suffered costly consequences. Don’t be that someone. In this episode, Michelle Gessner, CFP® delves into the world of Estate Planning by sharing stories of common mistakes and provides insight into how you can prepare for the unexpected. Estate planning is crucial in order … Read More Read More2023-05-1132 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Understanding Medicare: A Guide for Beginners (Ep. 4)In this informative episode, Joanne Giardini-Russell, owner of Giardini Medicare, delivers a simple and understandable guide to understanding Medicare. While it may not be the most thrilling topic, gaining a solid grasp of Medicare is critical for individuals seeking reliable health insurance. Joanne’s message emphasizes the importance of being informed, the benefits of being proactive … Read More Read More2023-04-1333 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Reducing Tax Rate Risks for Your Retirement (Ep. 3)In the world of retirement planning, taxes can be a significant expense that are often overlooked. In this informative episode, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner Michelle Gessner shares her insights, and dispels common myths about taxes and retirement. She highlights the prevalence of pre-tax money in retirement accounts and the mandatory Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from … Read More Read More2023-03-0927 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®The Client Experience with Michelle Gessner, CFP® (Ep. 2)In this episode, Michelle Gessner, CFP® delves into the client experience at Gessner Wealth Strategies. Listen as she shares her expertise and provides valuable insights into how you can properly save for a comfortable and secure retirement. Plus, hear real-life examples about how she and her team have helped clients with tax errors made by … Read More Read More2023-03-0935 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Introducing the Retire to a Life You Love® podcast (Ep. 1)Are you ready to start planning for the retirement of your dreams? Welcome to the Retire to a Life You Love® podcast, where host Michelle Gessner, CFP® shares her expertise and strategies to help you achieve the freedom you deserve. In this inaugural episode, we get to know Michelle, the founder of Gessner Wealth Strategies, … Read More Read More2023-03-0924 minRetire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP®Coming Soon!Welcome to Retire To A Life You Love® with Michelle Gessner, CFP® from Gessner Wealth Strategies.2023-02-2300 min
TK with James Scott: A Writing, Reading, & Books PodcastEp. 32: Clare Beams & Emily L. SmithHemmed in by what she 'should' be writing, Clare Beams turned a corner by freeing herself to write what would become the title story in her phenomenal collection WE SHOW WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED. James was fortunate enough to edit one of Clare's stories for ONE STORY, and they discuss that experience as well as putting her collection together, how she ignored advice to maintain a consistent level of weird, and exploring the limitlessness of short fiction. Plus Emily Smith, publisher at Lookout Books, describes the unique program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. - ...2017-04-251h 35