Empowered Planning Blog

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Episode Summary:

‘’You can have it all, you just can't have it at the same time.’’

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Empowered Planning Podcast! I'm super excited to have my friend and past coach, Grace Blacksea on the show today. Grace is the founder of Quench Collective, a community for modern leaders, but is currently working as a Community Manager at LinkedIn. Recently, she became a mom and she’s here to share her journey from running a successful business to juggling motherhood and all the changes that come with it. We'll chat about why she decided to close her business, the financial prep she did for having a baby, and how she handles her finances now. Anyone trying to balance career and family will find valuable takeaways from Grace's story. Whether you’re a new mom, an entrepreneur, or just curious, this episode is a true inspiration. Grab your headphones and join us!

Topics:

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Episode Summary:

In today’s episode of the Empowered Planning Podcast, I decided to discuss the heated debate around America's tipping culture. Have you ever felt pressured to tip or wondered why tipping is even a thing? I researched tipping in America for the past six months, speaking with friends, coworkers, relatives, and clients to see why it is becoming a point of tension for many, how it started, and how it is rising in America. From historical roots in Tudor, England, to the modern-day dilemmas at your local coffee shop, join me to crack the complexities of tipping and what it means for workers and consumers alike. After you tune in, come connect with me on Instagram and let me know where you stand on tipping!

Topics:

• Following the origins of tipping to understand how the customs have spread
• The most common controversies surrounding today's tipping culture
• How tipping impacts consumer costs, service quality,...

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Episode Summary:

Welcome back to the Empowered Planning Podcast! It gives me great pleasure to have Dr. Katie D'Amato here with us today. Along with passionately starting Balanced by Katie: Physical Therapy, Yoga, & Wellness, she is also a committed physical therapist. Today she’s going to talk about her amazing journey of leaving a stable full-time job to move into the demanding world of entrepreneurship. We will discuss Katie's difficulties and victories in launching her mobile therapy company, as well as how she manages to balance her goals for both her professional and personal development. You'll find Katie's insights essential whether you're considering starting your own business or you’re just fascinated by stories of transformation in the healthcare industry. At it’s core, this episode shows the reality of running a profitable women-owned business. Grab your headphones and join the conversation!

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Episode Summary:

On today’s episode of the Empowered Planning Podcast, we're chatting about something that's really buzzing in online discussions lately—the DINK lifestyle, which stands for Dual Income, No Kids. This lifestyle choice is becoming more popular among modern couples who are all about maximizing their freedom and financial options. Throughout the episode, we will look into why delaying marriage or deciding against the high costs of parenting might make sense for some. Join us as we explore how choosing this path can affect personal satisfaction, career opportunities, and financial stability. Whether you’re a DINK enthusiast, considering it, or just curious, this episode has something for you. Let’s jump right in!

Topics:

• What drives the DINK lifestyle choice
• The financial freedoms and flexibilities the DINK lifestyle offers
• Current social and economic factors influencing the rise of DINKs
• The...

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Episode Summary:

On today’s episode of the Empowered Planning Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cassandra Caruso—an absolute dynamo in creativity and a devoted mom to three boys. Like many of us, Cassandra jumped into the business world with little background in finance or investing. Her journey highlights the incredible things we can accomplish with self-investment and the proper support. As we unpack Cassandra's experiences, I hope it inspires you to pursue your financial and professional dreams, no matter the obstacles. Keep in mind it's not just about boosting your income—it's about creating positive change in your life and making a real impact on those around you.

Topics:

• Cassandra’s journey from corporate job to entrepreneurship
• The importance of overcoming financial ignorance and learning to invest
• Why connection in your business matters
• The role of empowering women through...

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Episode Summary:

On today's episode of The Empowered Planning Podcast, we're tackling a question that bugs many of us: To rent or to buy a home? Sure, those fluctuating interest rates and ever-changing housing prices make it tricky, but this choice is more about what fits your life and dreams instead of just crunching numbers. I'll discuss how the market's ups and downs play into this major life decision and share some of my experiences and tips to help you figure out what suits you best. Curious to find out which option aligns with your personal goals and financial situation? Join me in this episode, where we'll explore how to make a choice that syncs up with your life's path.

Topics:

• Analyzing the rent vs. buy decision in current economic conditions
• The most common emotional aspects of home ownership and renting
• Practical tips for navigating the housing market
• How to approach the home buying process thoughtfully
• The...

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Episode Summary:

As a financial educator, I believe having honest and open conversations about money with your partner is crucial. So today, on the Empowered Planning Podcast, I am bringing in a heartfelt conversation with Alisha Cook. Alisha’s story is a testament to the importance of planning, communication, and flexibility when dealing with financial changes. She'll dive into how she and her husband tackled merging their finances, their approach to planning for a new family member, and the adventure of moving from a rental to their own home. I hope Alisha’s experience will give you valuable insights and strategies for managing your finances through life's big moments. Join us now!

Topics:

• Alisha's lessons learned on merging finances with her partner
• The importance of preparing financially for parenthood
• How Alisha balanced marriage, pregnancy, and moving from renting to owning the house
• Alisha's tips for tackling...

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Episode Summary:

In today’s episode of the Empowered Planning Podcast, I discuss the critical yet often ignored (and sometimes truly uncomfortable) topic of estate planning. Still, it's essential for safeguarding your financial future and the well-being of your loved ones. We'll explore the differences between wills and trusts, uncover essential documents for robust estate planning, and share practical steps to get you started. I will share a few examples so you can learn from cautionary tales of celebrities who neglected estate planning and failed to grasp the profound impact it had on their families. When it comes to estate planning, there's a significant knowledge gap between what people think about estate planning and what it actually means. Today, I'm here to break it down and empower you to take decisive steps toward safeguarding your legacy (because, ultimately, that matters!).

Topics:

• Understanding the differences...

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Episode Summary:

I’m excited to talk about one of my favorite topics today on The Empowered Planning Podcast – building a career as a mom. As a working mom myself, I’m very familiar with the beautiful chaos of balancing work with family life. In this episode, my close friend and experienced executive, Erica Smith, is joining me as we swap stories and offer tips to help you tackle parenting hurdles while pursuing your career goals. Whether you're looking for inspiration or hands-on advice, this episode is a tribute to all the working moms out there. It aims to empower and guide you through the chaos and joy while reminding you that you can have both!

Topics:

• The rollercoaster of happiness, mayhem, guilt, and satisfaction that comes with being a working mom
• Erica's personal tale of navigating life as an experienced executive and a mom
• The tough choices we face that impact our work and our families
• How to tackle...

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Episode Summary:

Today, on the Empowered Planning Podcast, I will tackle the crucial world of debt and credit. I've got a lot lined up to help you get savvy about managing your debts and boosting your credit score. Ever wonder what makes credit 'good' or 'bad'? Or how do those credit bureaus decide your score? Well, I’m breaking it all down today. Plus, I'll guide you through the five big factors that influence your credit score and share some handy tips for tackling your debt. Whether you aim to trim down your debt or spruce up your credit game, this episode is packed with actionable advice to empower your financial journey.

Topics:

• Understanding the difference between good credit vs. bad credit
• Demystifying credit scores and their impact on your financial profile
• The importance of good credit in various aspects of life
• The complete breakdown of the five factors that determine your credit score
• Practical strategies for...